Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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562. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on a matter regarding anti-social behaviour in a town (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21826/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, 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 Kerry Garda Division on 30 April 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 287 of which 137 are assigned to Tralee Garda District with 89 Garda assigned to Tralee Garda station. There are also 32 Garda Reserves and 32 Civilians attached to Kerry Garda Division.

The Deputy will be aware that the first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. As part of Budget 2015, a further intake of 200 recruits in two batches was announced. The remaining 100 entered the college in early February. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The September intake attested as members of the Garda Síochána on 23 April 2015. The December intake will attest in Summer 2015 and the February intake will attest in Autumn 2015. In addition, I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for two further intakes of 125 Garda recruits later this year. Of the first batch to be attested, five members have been assigned to the Kerry Garda Division and are stationed in Tralee Garda station.

An Garda Síochána are statutorily obligated to ensure that the peace is preserved and public order maintained, as well as protecting life and property and vindicating the human rights of every individual in the State. An Garda Síochána will investigate complaints made to them and bring those responsible to justice, including by detecting and investigating alleged anti-social behaviour.

Local Garda management is aware of complaints of anti social behaviour, which is predominantly caused by youths and children who congregate in the area and a high visibility Garda presence is provided in the area where possible. The area in question is also covered by a Garda CCTV camera which is monitored on an ongoing basis from the communications room situated at Tralee Garda Station.

All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour and all such incidents, detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law.