Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

157 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will liaise with the Garda authorities to ensure that adequate provision is made for community policing in the Tallaght, Dublin 24 area; his views on the clear success of the community policing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25204/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 31 December each year for the past five years and currently is as set out as follows:

Year	Strength
1997	133
1998	139
1999	142
2000	159
2001	159
02/12/02	160

This represents an increase of 27 or 20% since 31/12/97. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Tallaght Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Community policing is a way of providing a policing service to the whole community, both urban and rural, through fostering of community commitment. In the provision of that service, the Garda Síochána involves the community to the maximum achievable level in deciding on policing priorities and the appropriate level of service to be provided.

Most members of the Garda Síochána during the course of duty provide a policing service to the community and this service can be considered in general terms as community policing. The community police of Tallaght are an integral part of Garda commitments to the RAPID programme. The Garda Síochána is satisfied with the service that is being provided. The strength of the unit is reviewed periodically.