I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 121, 132, 134, 136 to 140, inclusive, 143 and 144 together.
The allocation and deployment of Garda officers are the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
The following table shows the numbers of Gardaí attached to the relevant stations in question on 31 December 1997, 31 December 2002 and on the latest date for which figures are available in 2007. The number of community Gardaí, where appropriate, in each District/Division on the latest date for which figures are available in 2007 is also shown. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division. Garda Personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community policing units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a quality policing service. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.