Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the growth in population of the Ratoath area of County Meath, he will open a Garda Station in Ratoath, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1377/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I am further informed that the Ratoath area of Co. Meath forms part of the Ashbourne Garda District. The personnel strength of the Ashbourne District as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 24 January, 2007 was 56 and 77 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 21 (or 37.5%) in the number of personnel allocated to the District since that date. In addition, the personnel strength of Ashbourne Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 24 January, 2007 and was 23 and 49 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 26 (or 113%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to open a Garda Station in Ratoath and that local Garda management report that the Ratoath area is well patrolled by Gardaí from Ashbourne Garda Station. They are assisted by the Traffic Units from Kells, Drogheda and Ashbourne Garda Stations along with members on Operation Anvil.

I am also advised that a full time Community Garda was appointed to the Ratoath area in 2004.

The level of Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, 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 situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Ratoath area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.