Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2012
471. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the impact of his decision to close a further 100 Garda stations in tackling the problem of sale and supply of laundered, illegal or counterfeit products such as diesel, tobacco and clothing; his view on the resources available to the Gardaí, to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56341/12]
View answerThe Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5th December 2012, sets out details of the closure of 100 Garda stations throughout the country, the future opening hours of other stations in Cork and Dublin and a number of District amalgamations. It is important to remember that while some Garda stations are listed for revised opening hours from 24 hour stations, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24 hour basis. The full list of these details is available in the Policing Plan which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
In drawing up the policing plan, the Commissioner concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front-line if particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained or if the public opening hours of other stations could be reduced at off-peak times. In making that decision he has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to all communities.
An Garda Síochána continue to work closely with the Revenue Customs Service, who play the lead role in combating cigarette smuggling, fuel laundering and counterfeit goods. Together, they continue to make significant efforts to disrupt the activities of those involved in this type of criminal activity. The Policing Plan for 2013 sets out the commitment of An Garda Síochána to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised crime activity.
