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Garda Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (602)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

602. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which best policing practices remain available throughout the country notwithstanding the economies arising from commitment previously made to the troika; if he is satisfied regarding the availability of resources at all levels throughout the force and in all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19575/14]

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Written answers

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.

As you are aware the moratorium on recruitment to the public service remains in place. Despite the moratorium I received approval from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a recruitment competition for the Garda Síochána. I am committed to maintaining Garda strength at 13,000.

Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities throughout the State and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.

I am confident that An Garda Síochána, which is an extremely capable and talented force, will be able to carry out their duties, that frontline Garda services will continue to be prioritised, and that the overall crackdown on crime will be maintained.

In the most recent twelve month period covered by the Central Statistics Office there was reduction of 6.6% in overall crime and in the area of burglaries the reduction was 7.2%. With regard to burglaries, Operation Fiacla, which is supported by burglary related initiatives in each Garda Region, is successfully confronting burglary crime with the most recent figures available (up to 31 March 2014) showing that there have been 8,687 arrests and 4,954 charges brought under this targeted national Operation.

The Garda National Drugs Unit, working with other national units, continues to target persons involved in the illicit supply and sale of drugs with overall Garda drug seizures for the period 2011-2013 inclusive valued at over €237 million. In tackling fuel laundering, An Garda Síochána continue to work closely with Revenue's Customs Service. Revenue advise in the period 2011-2013 inclusive, a total of approximately 2.7 million litres of fuel was seized, 29 fuel laundries detected and shut down and 119 filling stations closed down by the Revenue Commissioners throughout the State for breaching licensing conditions. In addition, in the same period 245.5 million cigarettes with a retail value of €108 million and approximately 20,800 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of €7.75 million was seized.

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