John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

For the benefit of the Deputy, the personnel strength for the Meath Garda division on 31 December 2007 and on 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 264 and 296 respectively. This represents an increase of 32 or 12% in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of each Garda station in the Meath Garda division on 31 December 2007 and on 31 May 2012 is set out as follows: On 31 May 2012 there was a total of 29 Garda reserves and 22 civilians. On 29 April, Asbourne Garda district and Laytown Garda district were amalgamated as set out in the 2012 policing plan. All division resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units, such as the Garda Drugs Unit, the National Immigration Unit, Criminal Assets Bureau and other specialised units.

The personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 2007 and May 2012 was 13,755 and 13,581, respectively. The Government's programme for national recovery has set a target for a reduction in the numbers employed in the public service between now and the end of 2015. A decision on when Garda recruitment will recommence will take into account the target reduction and the rate of retirements from the Garda Síochána.

In respect of the Meath Garda division the following is the breakdown: Ashbourne - on 31 December 2007 there were 44 gardaí, on 31 May 2012 there were 46 gardaí; Dunboyne - 16 in 2007 and 14 in 2012; Dunshaughlin - 21 in 2007 and 21 in 2012; Duleek - three in 2007 and three in 2012; Laytown - 12 in 2007 and 25 in 2012; Kells - 45 in 2007 and 50 in 2012; Crossakiel - zero in 2007 and one in 2012; Oldcastle - four in 2007 and three in 2012; Athboy - six in 2007 and four in 2012; Navan - 57 in 2007 and 75 in 2012; Nobber - three in 2007 and four in 2012; Slane - four in 2007 and four in 2012; Ballivor - three in 2007 and three in 2012; Enfield - 12 in 2007 and 7 in 2012; Kilmessan - one in 2007 and one in 2012; Longwood - one in 2007 and two in 2012; Summerhill - one in 2007 and three in 2012; Trim - 30 in 2007 and 30 in 2012.