Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Ballyfermot Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty on the ground in Ballyfermot on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Ballyfermot Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [12506/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Ballyfermot Garda station as at 18 April 2005 was 74, all ranks. The breakdown of personnel attached to special squads at Ballyfermot Garda station as at 18 April 2005 was as set out in the table.

Each regular unit is supplemented by personnel from the divisional task force and divisional traffic unit. One sergeant and nine gardaí are attached to the community policing unit at Ballyfermot Garda station. I am also advised that it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel who will perform duty in any particular area over a certain period of time for security and operational reasons.

Garda management will continue to monitor and appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Ballyfermot with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. With regard to Garda resources generally, I am 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 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 Ballyfermot Garda station 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 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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in Ronanstown Garda station; the units or special squads they are attached to; the number available for duty on the ground in Ronanstown on each shift; the number of community gardaí based in Ronanstown Garda station; and if he proposes to increase these numbers. [12507/05]

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 personnel strength of Ronanstown Garda station as at 18 April 2005 was 86, all ranks. The number of personnel attached to special squads at Ronanstown Garda station as at 18 April 2005 was as set out in the following tabular statement:.

Each regular unit is supplemented by personnel from the divisional task force and divisional traffic unit. There are one sergeant and 12 gardaí attached to the community policing unit at Ronanstown Garda station. I am also advised that it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel who will perform duty in any particular area over a certain period of time for security and operational reasons.

Garda management will continue to monitor and appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Ronanstown with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. With regard to Garda resources generally, I am 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 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 Ronanstown Garda station 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 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.