Garda Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2013

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Ceisteanna (186, 187)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 20 September 2011, the way the minimum establishment required for each Garda district is taken into account in the distribution of Garda personnel and resources as he explained when, in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 8 October 2013, it was explained that there is no minimum establishment required for each district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45298/13]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the Parliamentary Question No.99 of 8 May 2012, the way response times are taken into account in the distribution of Garda personnel when, in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 8 October 2013, statistics in relation to response times are not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45299/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

As I have previously informed the Deputy, the distribution model for the deployment of Garda personnel takes all the relevant factors into account, including of course the capacity within each Garda Division and District to respond to demand, and there is no minimum establishment for a given Garda area.

As the Deputy will appreciate these are very much operational matters and I am assured by the Garda authorities that the specific policing arrangements for all areas are kept under on-going review. The objective at all times is to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.