Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2015
166. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will request the Garda Commissioner to appoint a garda at Tallaght Garda station, Dublin 24, to deal specifically with racial abuse and attacks; if she will appreciate the view of the local community that such an appointment should be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10938/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 31 January 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 169. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 12 civilians attached to Tallaght Garda Station.
All members of An Garda Síochána are trained to deal with incidents of racial abuse and attacks which occur within the district and to treat each incident in a compassionate and professional way.
In 2002, the Garda Commissioner authorised the appointment of Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELO). Their role is to liaise with representatives of the various minority communities in their division, and to establish communication links with each of these communities. They also inform and assure the ethnic communities of Garda services. It is important to note that all members of An Garda Síochána and not just ELOs can deal with racist incidents that are reported to them.
There are seven ELOs attached to Tallaght District.
