Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the strong view now being openly expressed that it is time that the Garda manpower needs of Tallaght, Dublin 24, be properly addressed; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Tallaght is the third largest population centre and that the Garda numbers do not compare favourably with Limerick; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that action is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2774/04]

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 current personnel strength — all ranks — of Tallaght Garda station at 2 February 2004 is 163. This compares with a figure of 133 at 31 December 1997 and represents an increase of 30 members, or 22.6%, since that date.

The current personnel strength — all ranks — of Limerick division at 2 February 2004 is 468. However, it should be noted that Garda personnel allocated to Limerick division police the entire county of Limerick. Tallaght Garda station is one of a number of Garda stations which make up the Dublin metropolitan region south division, which has a personnel strength of 534 — all ranks — at 2 February 2004.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that cognisance is always taken of population and crime trends when allocating personnel throughout the country. Garda management continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed throughout the country with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation in Tallaght will be kept under review and, when additional resources next become available, the needs of Tallaght Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.