The Garda Commissioner has defended the closure of garda stations, insisting policing is not about buildings but about gardaí on the streets.

Nóirín O'Sullivan was speaking at the graduation ceremony for 94 new gardaí today, where the Minister for Justice announced 500 new recruits next year.

Ms O'Sullivan said she understands the level of fear violent crime instils in people.

She said the new gardaí are being posted all over the country to help alleviate that.

She added that the gardaí have identified those involved and have set up operations to target them.

The Garda Commissioner also rejected allegations of political policing and stood by a decision by a senior garda officer not to allow Anti Austerity Alliance members to fund raise in southwest Dublin.

She noted that the decision could be appealed.

Commissioner O'Sullivan also acknowledged that former IRA members are involved in criminality, but said it was on an individual rather than organisational level.

She said she would not say that former commissioner Martin Callinan acted inappropriately in shredding documents at Garda Headquarters.

She said an assistant commissioner was now examining the Fennelly Commission interim report and any issues identified would be fully dealt with.

Ms Fitzgerald said if there was a need for new protocols on documents and SIM cards they would be introduced.