Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda regions, divisions and districts. It must be kept under continuous review. The Garda Inspectorate has made the point again and again that the allocation of gardaí around the country cannot be based on an historic situation but must be a response to current trends, population changes and so on. Crime trends and policing priorities must be taken into account to ensure the best possible use of resources. The reality is that during the economic crisis recruitment was at a standstill and there was very little investment. Thankfully, with the change in the economic situation, we have been able to invest again in the refurbishment of Garda stations and vehicles and, most importantly, the numbers of gardaí being recruited.

In answer to the Deputy's question, in summary, there were 24 stations on 31 March 2011, with 277 members assigned to the Wexford division. On 31 March 2016 there were 21 stations, with258gardaí assigned across the division.

The Deputy has asked for a lot of detailed information which I do not have the time to go over in answering his questions, but I will make the information available to him.

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