Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011
409 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans being considered for the closure of small rural Garda stations in the Sligo-north Leitrim area and in view of any review of such small stations, if he, in co-operation with the Garda Commissioner, is considering any changes to the administration of the force on a county basis following the setting up of the joint policing committees. [26216/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy and the House that it is a priority for this Government to maintain frontline services at the highest level possible. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. I look forward to the outcome of the Commissioner's review and I understand that it should be available in the next couple of months.
410 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider permitting the use of members of the Garda Reserve to keep local Garda stations open when it is desirable to deploy all available gardaí on street duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26224/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force and for determining the powers and duties of members of the Garda Reserve rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. I have been advised that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. Clearly, an examination of the opening hours and in some cases the viability of Garda stations will form part of this. The issue of the closure of some Garda stations will be a question the Garda Commissioner will have to consider as part of this process. He may have to consider in appropriate cases whether a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Gardaí out on patrol instead of in a station. I look forward to receiving the Commissioner's proposals, which will be aimed at maximising the efficiency of the Garda Síochána, and prioritising the resources available to operational front-line policing services.
