Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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399. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the review of the boundaries of garda districts and the dispersement of garda stations. [34083/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, at the request of the Policing Authority, is carrying out a review of the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities. In this context, I understand that the Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:

- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;

- the views of local communities;

- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and

- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.

It is clear that a comprehensive review is being envisaged by the Authority, including a consultative process with local communities, and I have been advised by the Authority that the review is expected to be completed within the first half of 2018.