Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
207. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Garda Representative Association and the Irish Farmers Association regarding the closure of Garda stations; and if he has brought these concerns to the Garda Commissioner. [50449/12]
View answerAny proposals for the closure of Garda stations must be contained in the annual policing plan prepared by the Garda Commissioner and submitted to the Minister for Justice and Equality. While the policing plan for 2013 has not yet been finalised, it will be laid before the House in due course. Until then it would be premature to speculate on what it might contain.
Everyone is aware of the arguments that have been made for the retention of all Garda stations, but I believe that most people would accept that, whatever debate there might be about the precise number needed, it would not be sensible to keep open every single Garda station we inherited on the foundation of the State. What matters is not simply a bricks-and-mortar presence in every locality, but rather the delivery of the most effective policing service possible to the public in that area.
It is therefore entirely sensible that the Commissioner should examine the potential for enhancing how policing services are delivered to communities across the country, including in particular how best to deploy Gardaí on operational duties so that they make the greatest possible contribution to the policing service. That examination must necessarily involve an assessment of such factors as the level and type of activity in Garda stations, the rate and types of crime in the areas concerned, and the scope for redeploying Gardaí from station work on to patrols or other operational duties.
On the publication of the policing plan for 2013 there will be an opportunity for Deputies to debate these issues in greater detail.
