Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 703: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of extra gardaí appointed to Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee in each of the past five years. [10459/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that the personnel strength of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee Garda stations as at 1 January, in each of the past five years and as at 5 April 2005, was as follows:

On the issue of Garda resources generally, 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 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 Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee Garda stations will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, 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 front line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.