I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Crossover II is a high visibility policing initiative providing extra patrols and checkpoints in the Dublin metropolitan region west division.
There have been 105 arrests to date for offences relating to possession of firearms, possession of controlled substances, assault, public order offences and drink driving. So far, 11 firearms and four knives have been seized. A number of prosecutions are pending as a result of the operation.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that community policing in the Dublin metropolitan region west division forms an integral part of Operation Crossover II and that there are 78 gardaí employed on community policing duties. The total personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region west division as at 6 December 2004 was 662, all ranks. Local Garda management is satisfied that the resources available in west Dublin are adequate to meet the policing needs of the area. The deployment of personnel is regularly reviewed by local Garda management in order to provide an effective response to issues as they arise.
On 12 October, the Government approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. Moreover, it will allow the allocation of additional resources to areas of greatest need, including combating serious crime.
