The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that the personnel strength of Tallaght and Clondalkin Districts on 30 November 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 262 and 214 respectively. There are also 12 Reserve Gardaí and 13 Civilians attached to the Tallaght District while there are 4 Reserve Gardaí and 13 Civilians attached to the Clondalkin District. The area in question is covered by both the Tallaght Garda District and Clondalkin Garda sub-district, with the majority of the residential areas served by members attached to Tallaght Garda District, with the industrial units falling within Clondalkin Garda sub-District. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property. There are regular patrols in the area by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including the Community Policing and Garda Mountain Bike Units, District Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as necessary by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Meetings are also held on a regular basis with Residents Associations.
Local Garda Management closely monitors the patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service to the residents concerned and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review.
