Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Drogheda area; the number stationed each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11340/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to provide extra community gardaí for the town of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11341/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Drogheda Garda district as at 31 March 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and as at 12 April 2005 was as set out in the following table.

The number of community gardaí attached to Drogheda Garda station in one member at garda rank. I have been informed that local Garda management has currently no plans to increase the number of gardaí involved in community policing at Drogheda.

Garda personnel assigned to Drogheda, 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 service is provided to the public.

In relation to 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 Drogheda Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts 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 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.