I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 105, inclusive, together.
I am advised that local Garda management within the Tallaght District is aware of recent crime incidents and of difficulties being experienced by local residents as a result of anti-social behaviour and related issues. I am assured that Gardaí are working closely with the community in the areas referred to in relation to these issues.
Tallaght District is patrolled by uniform and plain clothes units, Community Policing Units, the Street Crime Unit and the Drugs Unit, supplemented as necessary by the Divisional Traffic Unit and Crime Task Force. The Community Police Units have lead responsibility for policing in this area and have developed a partnership approach to problem solving with the community. Local Garda management has put in place targeted proactive measures, including increased patrols and checkpoints, which will focus patrols on the most vulnerable areas.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
Specifically in relation to the Dublin Metropolitan Division (DMR) South, as of 31 August 2014 there were 556 Gardaí assigned to the Division, of which 172 Gardaí are assigned to Tallaght Garda station. As of 21 October 2014 the number of vehicles allocated to the Tallaght District is 32.
More generally the Deputy will also be aware that I recently announced the intake of 200 new Garda recruits in addition to the 100 who commenced training in September this year. Furthermore the provision of an additional €10 million will support the purchase and fit-out of over 400 new vehicles which will come on stream in 2015.
I am advised that Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the DMR South Division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained and when additional resources next become available the needs of the Division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.