Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 785: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the personnel strength in the Carlow/Kildare division as of 1 January 2005; and the number nationally on the same date. [1887/05]

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 Garda personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 1 January 2005 was 12,209 (all ranks). I am further informed that the personnel strength of Carlow-Kildare Division as at 1 January 2005 was 323 (all ranks).

In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda Traffic Corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.