Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional gardaí will be allocated to the Drimnagh area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the Drimnagh area is policed by gardaí attached to Crumlin and Sundrive Road Garda stations. The personnel strength of Crumlin Garda station as at 9 March 2005 was 88 including all ranks. The personnel strength of Sundrive Road Garda station as at 9 March 2005 was 64 including all ranks.

I am further informed that Garda personnel assigned to the Crumlin and Sundrive Road areas, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

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 the 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 draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of Crumlin and Sundrive Road Garda stations will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. 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. 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.