Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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471. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will examine the need for extra resources to be provided to An Garda Síochána to police a growing town (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will ensure that there are extra resources provided to ensure a greater garda presence on the beat in the town and surrounding housing estates to prevent petty crime, including break-ins, speeding and drug dealing; and if he will ensure that there are extra resources available for community policing in the area. [17408/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have however been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Swords Garda Station on 28 February 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 74. There are also 10 Garda Reserves and 2 Civilians attached to the Station.

The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country. In that context, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are 13 Gardaí specifically assigned to community policing duties in the Swords Garda station. This number includes two dedicated Sergeants who monitor the situation to ensure all community commitments are met.

Resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.