Tom Fleming
Ceist:122. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will refrain from closing any further rural Garda stations in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 June 2013
Ceisteanna (122)
Freagraí scríofa
The Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2013 sets out details for the closure of 100 Garda stations throughout the country. The Deputy will be aware that Camp, Fenit, Abbeydorney, Beaufort, Lauragh, Kilgarvan, Brosna, Valentia Island and Ballinskelligs Garda Stations in the Kerry Division were mentioned in the plan for closure in 2013 and were in fact closed on 31 January 2013.
While the Policing plans for 2014 and 2015 have not yet been prepared, I understand, from discussions with the Garda Commissioner, that the current consolidation process will be largely completed by the end of this year and it seems unlikely at this point in time that there will be any further station closures in 2014 and 2015.
The allocation of all resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation is kept under continuing review to ensure optimum use is made of these resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In this regard, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 30 April 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Kerry Garda Division was 300. There are also 32 Garda Reservists and 32 civilian staff attached to the Kerry Garda Division.