Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
827. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of construction works on the Garda station in Cootehill, County Cavan; his plans for investment in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33380/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra828. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a project (details supplied); the number of additional personnel assigned to the station; the locations from which they are coming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33381/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 827 and 828 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 is an ambitious 5 year building Programme, based on agreed Garda priorities and will benefit some 30 locations throughout the State. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the programme does not provide for significant building works at Cootehill Garda station. I understand that the programme does include works in other parts of Cavan, including for example at Baileboro.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I understand that Cootehill Garda Station forms part of the Baileboro Garda District in the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 344, 65 of whom are assigned to the Baileboro District and 7 assigned to Cootehill station. I further understand that there are also 11 Garda Reserves and 39 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
I am further informed that the resourcing of each Garda region and division is fully considered within the overall context of the needs and requirements of Garda regions throughout the country. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
The allocation and transfer of Garda personnel is determined by a number of factors, including crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues. When allocations are taking place, comprehensive consultation is carried out with local Garda management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
