Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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504. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the sharp rise in break-ins, particularly in homes and business premises, and an armed robbery at Saggart post office on 18 October 2014, if she will ensure that sufficient Garda resources are available to a Garda station (details supplied) to deal with such eventualities; her plans to increase resources in the area to ensure that homes and businesses are protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41110/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who 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. This necessary ongoing flexibility in the distribution of personnel means that it is not feasible to identify specific vacancies within specific areas of the force.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Rathcoole Garda Station on 31 August 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 24. Rathcoole Garda Stations forms part of the Clondalkin Garda District. The personnel strength of Clondalkin Garda District on the same date was 198. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 14 Civilians attached to Clondalkin District.

The Deputy will be aware that the first intake since 2009 of new Garda recruits entered training at the Garda College in Templemore on Monday 15th September 2014. This marked a positive step forward for policing in Ireland. Furthermore, as provided for in Budget 2015 the process of recruiting 200 new Gardaí to the force will continue over the next few months. The situation will be kept under review and when these additional personnel become available the needs of Rathcoole Garda Station will be fully considered within the overall context of policing needs throughout the country.