Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
300. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide more community liaison officers to improve policing in communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44247/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country. In that context, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are 878 Gardaí specifically assigned to community policing duties throughout the State and 116 Juvenile Liaison Officers.
