Update: An Garda Siochana, 8th July 2015

QUESTION NO:  261

DÁIL QUESTION  addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)
by Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
for WRITTEN on Tuesday, 7th July, 2015.   

 
  *  To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the operation and organisation of An Garda Síochána compares with other police forces throughout Europe and globally, with a view to ensuring the most effective deployment in terms of crime prevention and detection; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

                                            – Bernard J. Durkan

 
REPLY.

The Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources and the implementation of policing strategies are matters for the Garda Commissioner.

Under Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 a critical function of An Garda Síochána is the prevention of crime. It is within this context that An Garda Síochána develops crime prevention initiatives and community policing services for delivery by front line Garda resources.

An Garda Síochána places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Within this framework, An Garda Síochána continues to tackle local crime issues including public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities and business groups, including the hospitality industry, to reduce crime and enhance community safety. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour and related criminality. I am advised that there is a community policing team in each Garda District.

I am informed that the National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) operates in accordance to international best practice in developing and administering initiatives.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the review of An Garda Síochána under the Haddington Road Agreement which will make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness in its operations and administration.

More generally, it is also the case that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, in its reports on the Garda Síochána, benchmarks the performance of the Force with best international policing practice.