Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
403. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality given the recent publication of the Central Statistics Office's crime statistics, if an impact analysis of crime has been undertaken in the areas where Garda stations were closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30348/15]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Garda management monitor crime trends on an ongoing basis with a view to providing the most effective possible policing service to communities throughout the country. I am advised that Garda operational strategies, including the deployment of Garda resources, takes account of crime trend data and that the policing needs of all communities, including in those areas where a Garda station may have been closed, are kept under ongoing review.
While the most recently published CSO Recorded Crime Statistics for the first quarter of 2015 show decreases in many categories of crime, there are increases recorded in some categories, including burglary, and to support the Garda operational response to this crime threat, I recently announced additional resources for new specialised vehicles to support an enhanced operational response by Gardaí with particular reference to crime being committed by highly-mobile gangs. The Deputy will also be aware that further additional resources are coming on stream which will strengthen Garda capacity to respond to all crime trends. In May of this year we saw the first deployment of newly attested Gardaí since 2009. I understand that a further group of new recruits will attest as Gardaí at the end of July 2015. These welcome developments follow on the recruitment of 300 new entrants to the Garda College in Templemore since September last year, with an additional 250 Garda recruits due to commence training during 2015. This injection of resources will undoubtedly support enhanced policing and community safety in all areas of the country.
