Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
29. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will detail the implementation plan for new smart policing mechanisms to replace closed Garda stations; the timeframe for the implementation of same; if a plan has been published; the budget that has been set aside for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11681/13]
View answer165. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will explain in detail the elements involved in smarter policing with specific regard to the way imbalances in geographic Garda deployments are taken into account in the application of the policy; if there will be any large scale rebalancing of the way Gardaí are deployed as part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11784/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 165 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda 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 demographics, 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.
One of the key elements of the 2013 Plan is that it sets out proposals for continuing the process of restructuring the way in which Garda services are organised and delivered, with the objective of enhancing the efficiency of the Force at a time of financial constraint. This copperfastens the commitment of the Commissioner to smart policing in using available resources efficiently and effectively and ensuring that the maximum number of Garda personnel are available for front-line policing. A specific example of this is the targeted use of resources under Operation Fiacla in dealing with burglaries.
In that overall context I believe that the objectives set out in the Garda Policing Plan for 2013 will be achieved and that, despite the pressure on the public finances, it will be possible for the Force to operate to the optimum benefit of our communities in a manner that will facilitate the presence of operational Gardaí on patrol preventing and detecting crime. The Garda Commissioner has stated that the revised structures will continue to support the Garda community philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling arrangements which, in turn, will provide increased Garda visibility as well as maintaining existing Garda links with communities throughout the country. The objective will be to ensure that the best possible policing service will continue to be provided to our communities. The Garda Commissioner has also advised that closure of stations will result in some additional 61,000 patrolling hours being available for operational policing.
I am confident that the Garda Síochána will continue to provide a professional policing service right across the country in a manner that is effective and is consistent with the highest standards for which the Force is renowned.
