Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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310. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will increase Garda patrols in local communities especially in Dublin 5 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45898/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including fully sworn members and Reserve Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of security assessments, crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the area concerned is patrolled by Gardaí assigned to the Santry Garda station, which has a complement of 89 Gardaí. There are also ten Garda Reserves and four Civilians attached to the station.

As the Deputy will be aware the first intake since 2009 of 100 new 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, the process of recruiting 200 additional Gardaí to the force will continue over the next few months. The Garda Commissioner, will of course, continue to keep the needs of Santry Garda station under review within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.