Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the strength of the emergency response unit, with particular reference to the need to meet the threat of urban crime and acts of terrorism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42909/15]

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 taking into account 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 for security and operational reasons, it is Garda policy not to comment on the number of Gardaí assigned to the Emergency Response Unit.

However, I have been informed by the Commissioner that the Emergency Response Unit has a national remit and is a highly trained and equipped specialist intervention unit capable of responding to crime in both urban and rural communities and preventing and responding to acts of terrorism.