Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
494. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding replacing Garda stations with mobile police offices; the number that have been provided to date; the number that will be provided; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40588/13]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of policing resources, including Garda transport, are an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year the Garda authorities indicated that they proposed to provide a number of mobile Garda offices. At this stage, however, I understand from the Garda authorities that they have decided not to proceed with the proposal, at least for the present. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that current community policing needs are being met in conjunction with the Garda Community Engagement Programme and they have concluded that the introduction of mobile offices would provide limited identifiable benefits for the public or the Force. Accordingly, the vehicles purchased for use as mobile offices are being re-deployed for other Garda purposes. Overall, the Garda authorities have indicated that the Garda operational arrangements in place throughout the country are sufficient to ensure the continued delivery of a comprehensive policing service to all communities. In addition they have confirmed that these arrangements will be kept under on-going review.
