Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if in the context of redeployment of Garda strength and or closure or opening of Garda stations, the senior Garda authorities has had any discussions with management at local level; in particular if issues have been identified and solutions proposed or accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The Garda Commissioner each year prepares a policing plan setting out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the State for the following year, including any proposals to open a Garda Síochána station in a new location or cease stationing members in an existing station.
The Commissioner is preparing his policing plan for 2013 and I expect delivery of it shortly. While it would be premature to speculate on what it might contain, I expect it will contain measures dealing with the further rationalisation of the Garda station network. It is important to remember that when preparing the plan, the Commissioner must, under the Act, have regard to a number of matters, including the resources available to the Garda Síochána, the priorities for the Garda Síochána as determined by the Minister, relevant Government policy, and the Garda Síochána's own strategy statement. Furthermore, in making his assessments on these matters, the Garda Commissioner has asked each Divisional Officer to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area. It must be stressed that the key objective of any station closure is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than secure a specific cash saving.
