Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

291 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current policy, if any, of his Department in relation to the posting of gardaí in provincial towns; the rules, if any, which exist in relation to the length of time they should serve in one location; his views on whether this rule is not essential to prevent perceived close relationships building up with the business community and so on; if he will consider a five or seven year rule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21862/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that there are many factors to be taken onto consideration when allocating Garda personnel to any centre, provincial or otherwise. These include vacancies, specific requirements, population ratio, crime ratio, security issues and other matters which contribute to the maintenance of law and order. One of the primary objectives of the Garda Síochána Corporate Strategy Plan 1993-97 was the formulation of a revised policy for the equitable allocation of gardaí. The Garda authorities inform me that this policy ensures that Garda resources are allocated to areas in direct proportion to existing policing requirements.

I understand from the Garda authorities that there are no general rules governing the amount of time a member of An Garda Síochána serves at any one centre. However, in circumstances where official accommodation is available a member willing to occupy it is required to give an undertaking to reside there for a minimum period of three years.

Garda management point out that redeployment of members is an integral part of the efficient administration of the force. They add that transfers, for instance, may be temporary or permanent in nature and are implemented in the best interests of the Garda Síochána. Movement of Garda personnel will arise for a variety of reasons including the exigencies of the service, promotion and special unforeseen circumstances.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are responsible for ensuring that all contact or association with the local community including the business community is carried out to the highest standard of professionalism irrespective of the length of time they serve in any area.