Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
209. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the particular difficulties of crime in Kildare North and in particular in the Celbridge/Leixlip area; when Garda resources will be increased in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16324/15]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management closely monitors crime trends and the policing needs of communities in the Kildare North area and relevant operational strategies including patrols and checkpoints are put in place as necessary.
I should mention in particular Operation Obair which is focussed on burglary and related crimes. The objective of Operation Obair is to develop a targeted and integrated approach to criminals involved in committing burglaries in the Eastern Region and it provides both a preventative and detection element.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda resources, including personnel in Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. I am advised that Garda management keep the distribution of resources 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 am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Kildare Garda Division as of 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 300 of which there were 35 and 13 Garda assigned to Leixlip and Celbridge Garda stations, respectively. There are also 40 Garda Reserves and 28 civilians attached to the Kildare Garda Division.
Since the resumption of Garda recruitment in September last year a total of 300 new recruits have entered the Garda College in Templemore and I was pleased to preside with the Garda Commissioner at the Passing Out ceremony for the first 100 of these new Gardai on 23 April 2015. The Government is committed to ensuring that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly and I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for two further intakes totalling 250 Garda recruits later this year. On attestation, the new members of An Garda Síochána will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner and I am assured that the needs of Kildare Garda Division will be fully considered. In this regard I understand that five probationer Gardaí are being allocated to the Kildare Division in May 2015.
In conclusion I am advised that local Garda management closely monitors the deployment of resources, patrols and operational strategies in place for the areas referred to by the Deputy and is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to those areas.
