Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which arrests have been made and charges preferred against the perpetrators given the seriousness and life threatening nature of the situation arising from recent disturbances in residential areas in north Kildare; the extent to which Garda strength in the area is a factor with particular reference to the response to the public; if immediate steps can be taken to ensure a rapid response to such incidents in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27329/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps the allocation of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that optimum use is made of these resources.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána responded to the incidents in question, and that these incidents are being actively investigated. I understand that Gardaí are well aware of the seriousness of the incidents referred to, but the Deputy will appreciate that in view of the ongoing Garda investigations it would be inappropriate for me to comment in more detail at this time. I am, however, also informed that a Garda Superintendent has met with local residents and there is ongoing liaison with residents and community stakeholders with a view to preventing further similar incidents. Local Garda management have also implemented additional policing measures in the areas in question, including additional Garda foot patrols, checkpoints and patrols by the Regional Support Unit.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" tocontinue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, which will undoubtedly enhance the capacity of An Garda Síochána to meet policing needs throughout the country, including the area referred to by the Deputy. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 of the new recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána, of whom 25 have been assigned to the Kildare Division.