Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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514. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the various forms of crime continue to be monitored and appropriate action taken to address any trends emerging in all areas throughout the country, urban and rural; if she has in mind any particular or specific strategies to deal with the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27412/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that all crime trends are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Garda authorities and relevant policing strategies are designed and implemented as required. The Garda National Policing Plan for 2014 sets out the policing priorities and objectives for the current year. The Plan is designed to meet the policing needs of all communities, in urban and rural areas, including active community engagement in the development of policing strategies and concerted efforts to support and protect vulnerable sections of the community.

Gardaí pursue a range of strategies to counter crime trends, including the coordinated national strategy targeting burglary crime under Operation Fiacla, which has led to steady reductions in the level of burglary crimes as well as the arrest of 9,343 persons and charges being brought against 5,341 persons since it was established in early 2012. The Deputy will also be aware that tackling organised crime is a key ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána which is clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2014. Gardaí continue to provide a robust response to organised crime gangs through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist Garda units including the Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Gardaí also continue to work closely with all communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of local fora including the Joint Policing Committees and through community based initiatives such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch. The effectiveness of Garda strategies is illustrated in the official CSO Recorded Crime figures for 2013 which show reductions in 11 out of the 14 categories for which figures are given, and an overall reduction in crime of 6.6% during the year. I am assured that local Garda management in all Garda Divisions, closely monitors the allocation of resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.