Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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292. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has introduced measures to replace the Garda Síochána mobile units initiative that was discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2184/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of available Garda resources. This includes personnel, Garda vehicles and the various technologies utilised to support front-line Gardaí and intelligence-led operations against organised crime. This process takes account of annual policing priorities determined through consultation between the Commissioner and the Policing Authority and with the consent of the Minister in accordance with section 20 of the Act.

Community Policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána seeks to deliver a service to the community. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, following the launch of the National Model of Community Policing in 2009, a significant number of Garda clinics have been established. A Garda clinic is a small public Garda facility that provides basic Garda services within the community and which augments the District Garda Stations. Garda clinics are an established good community policing practice and are designed to place the needs of our communities at the centre of Garda services by improving An Garda Síochána’s ability to identify and anticipate community needs through pro-active engagement and effective service provision. Garda Clinics are delivered in partnership with the community and are established and conducted, where practicable, at community orientated venues.

I am also advised that Garda clinics, in addition to focusing on topics such as neighbourhood watch, crime prevention and advice to the older persons, also support the delivery of various Garda services e.g. passport applications, driving license production, age card applications and crime prevention advice. I am informed that these clinics are generally open for 1-2 hours but their frequency and venue would be consistent.

Types of Garda Clinics include:

- Campus Clinic provides a Garda service aimed at Staff & Students at post leaving cert and third level institutes.

- A Business Watch/Retail Clinic is provides a Garda service aimed at the business sector and are generally housed in shopping centres and similar retail outlets.

- A Garda Community Policing Clinic is a Garda clinic offering a basic Garda service to the community.

- A Multi Agency Clinic is a clinic consisting of Garda members and other state and NGO agencies such as HSE, Social welfare, etc and are a place where these wide range of services can be obtained to the general public.

- Themed Clinics are Garda clinics set up for the duration of a special community event be it of a sporting or social nature so a Garda service can be delivered away from a Garda Station and delivered directing within the venue or area of the event.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána are fully committed to continued proactive engagement with communities in addressing crime prevention and community safety issues. The arrangements and measures in place to achieve this objective are subject to ongoing review and analysis to ensure the continued delivery of an effective policing service.