Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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324. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will sanction additional resources, extra personnel and new vehicles for An Garda Síochána for the Ballycullen, Dublin 24, area to allow for effective action to be taken in respect of the recent increase in crime in the area; her views on the concern of the wider community which has been greatly affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2443/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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One of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. 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.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the number of Gardaí assigned to any station may fluctuate due, for example, to promotion, transfer, retirements and resignations. However, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Rathfarnham Garda Station, which patrols the area mentioned by the Deputy, on 31 December 2008 to 2013 and on the 30 November 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured an additional €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet, €7 million of which was made available in 2014, with the remaining €3 million being provided in 2015. The additional investment of €7 million enabled An Garda Síochána to purchase 370 new vehicles towards the end of last year. These vehicles will be allocated to Garda Divisions in line with the Garda Commissioner's operational requirements. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the needs of the Ballycullen area will be fully considered when these vehicles are being allocated.

Rathfarnham Garda Station