Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in County Kildare; the number of Garda stations in County Kildare; if the construction of new stations or the expansion of existing stations is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4035/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 456: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the level of Garda numbers in County Kildare in view of the high level of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4036/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456.

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that the personnel strength of each of the 18 Garda stations (all ranks) in County Kildare as at 7 February 2005, is set out in the following table.

There has been an increase of 40 officers — from 202 to 242 — in Kildare Garda stations since 31 December 1997. Local Garda management is satisfied that the policing resources in the Carlow and Kildare division are adequate to meet the policing needs of the division.

I am very pleased 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 draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. The needs of the Kildare district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. The additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government which identifies particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a high number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to increase 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 and will have a real impact.

The accommodation needs of the force are continually under review to ensure that operational requirements are met. Where such requirements are not being met, then 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.