Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
321. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will assign additional resources to the Tallaght Garda station to allow for effective action to be taken, in respect of crime in Kilnamanagh Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, and to particularly support the efforts of Kilnamanagh Neighbourhood Watch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7836/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that 170 is the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 31 December 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available. There are also 12 Garda Reserves and 12 civilians attached to the station.
I am very pleased that my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform agreed to the resumption of Garda recruitment. Last September, 100 new Garda recruits entered training at the Garda College in Templemore, the first intake of Garda recruits since May 2009. This was followed by an intake of a further 100 recruits in December and a third intake of 100 this month. This means that there are now 300 Garda students in training. The Garda Commissioner, will of course, continue to keep the needs of Tallaght Garda Station under review within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
Community gardaí maintain contact with the Kilnamanagh Neighbourhood Watch and attend their meetings. Any issues identified at these meetings are addressed by community Garda members. Matters of concern are highlighted locally to all station personnel.
The Divisional Burglary Response Unit also provides regular patrols throughout the Tallaght sub-district as part of crime patrols under Operation Acer.
