Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2005
299 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of car break-ins on Murtagh Road, Dublin 7; if there are plans to increase the Garda presence in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20275/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gardaí attached to the Bridewell Garda station are responsible for the policing of the area referred to by the Deputy and it is patrolled by local uniformed gardaí on a daily basis. These patrols are assisted by detective units, divisional task force, divisional drugs unit and a community garda assigned to the area. Since 1 January 2005 there has been three recorded incidents of criminal damage-theft of vehicles in the location referred to by the Deputy. These incidents are all currently under investigation. Garda management keeps the issue of resource allocation under constant review in all areas to best determine the policing methods most appropriate for local communities.
On Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
