Written answers

Tuesday, 8 February 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Strength

8:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at each Garda station in County Meath; the level of increase in Garda numbers that has taken place at all of these stations since 1995; if he has further plans to increase numbers at these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3462/05]

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in County Meath; the number of Garda stations in County Meath; if the construction of new stations or the expansion of existing stations is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/05]

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the number of gardaí in County Meath in view of the high level of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4034/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 417, 453 and 454 together.

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 each of the 17 Garda stations in County Meath as at 31 January 1997 and 3 February 2005 was as set out in the following table:

Station 1997 2005
Laytown 6 8
Ashbourne 22 40
Dunboyne 14 12
Dunshaughlin 11 10
Kells 31 31
Athboy 4 6
Oldcastle 3 4
Nobber 3 2
Trim 24 26
Crossakeel 2 0
Summerhill 2 2
Enfield 18 15
Ballivor 2 3
Navan 47 46
Duleek 4 4
Slane 3 4
Kilmessan 1 0

The information requested on the personnel strength of each Garda station in County Meath in 1995 is not readily available and can only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought. The most up-to-date statistics in this regard refer back as far as 1997.

As regards the number of stations in Meath, all Garda accommodation is continually under review to ensure that it meets the operational requirements of the Garda Síochána. Where it does not meet them, the required refurbishment, or construction, works are completed by the Office of Public Works with all due urgency, and in accordance with overall priorities within the Garda building programme and the availability of financial and other resources.

While county boundaries do not correlate to Garda divisional boundaries, the Garda stations in County Meath form part of the Louth-Meath division. The personnel strength, including all ranks, of the Louth-Meath division as at 3 February 2005 was 532. This compares to a figure of 470 on 31 December 1995 and represents an increase of 62, or 13%, since that date. The allocation of personnel within a division is a matter for the local chief superintendent. I am advised that local Garda management is satisfied that the best possible use is being made of existing resources in County Meath.

On Garda resources generally, I am 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 a commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government 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 draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Meath district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as 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 also, such as the need to increase very significantly the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised 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.

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