Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016
57. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána foot patrols in Rush, County Dublin, since January 2016 by month, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18056/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including both sworn and civilian personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed and are determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division and Unit. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am advised that the specific information requested regarding the number of foot patrols in Rush is not readily available and would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that the area in question is patrolled by Garda members who are assigned to the Balbriggan Garda District and that as of the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 89 members attached to the Balbriggan District.
I am further informed that additional patrols under Operation ‘Hybrid’ are also operating in this area. During the summer months as part of Operation Irene additional mobile and mountain-bike patrols are deployed by local Garda Management focused in the area referred to, its environs and surrounding amenities.
