Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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175. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans to increase the number of opening hours and gardaí in Maynooth Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43147/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of resources available to An Garda Síochána. This includes operational matters such as the opening hours of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of the resources available. As Minister, I have no role in relation to that matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the opening hours of Maynooth Garda Station are as follows: Monday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon; Sunday: closed.

I am further informed that Maynooth Garda Station forms part of the Leixlip Garda District in the Kildare Division. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Kildare Division was 373, on the 31 August 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, of whom 105 members are assigned to the Leixlip District and 14 members are assigned to Maynooth Garda Station. There are also 17 Garda Reserves and 32 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the allocation of personnel within Kildare Division is subject to constant review in light of crime trends and policing needs arising, to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible policing service continues to be provided to the public.