144 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, in view of the closure of the Garda station in Rush, County Dublin, if he will detail the number of squad cars currently available to the Garda to service the towns and surrounding areas of Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk in County Dublin; his views on whether the current number of patrol cars is adequate to cover these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/12]

Decisions in relation to the deployment of Garda resources, including transport, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In that context the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles within each Garda Division is a matter for the Divisional Officer in the light of operational requirements.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles within each Garda District is continually monitored and reviewed by the Garda authorities to ensure that the optimum policing service is available to the community.

I am further informed that there are currently 9 Garda vehicles, both marked and unmarked, assigned to the Balbriggan Garda District which covers the areas referred to by the Deputy. In addition, the Garda authorities have advised that they are satisfied that an effective policing service is being provided, and will continue to be provided, to those areas.