I propose to take Questions Nos. 653 to 655, inclusive, together.
The Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2012, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5 December 2011, sets out the future opening hours of Malahide and Howth Garda Stations. These are to be reduced to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., from the current 24 hour basis. It is important to remember that while the Garda stations in question will have reduced opening hours to the public, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24 hour basis.
Details of Garda patrols are not made public for operational reasons. However, the Commissioner concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained or if the public opening hours of other stations, such as the stations referred to by the Deputy, could be reduced at off-peak times. The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. Each Divisional Officer with responsibility for a Division that will be affected by this decision has been tasked with developing a comprehensive consultation strategy together with a tailored implementation plan that will meet the particular needs of their Division.
I am also informed by the Commissioner that local Garda management in each District and Division closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public, including in the areas referred to by the Deputy.