Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to Shankill Garda station for each of the years 2000-04 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16268/05]

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 Shankill Garda station as of December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and as of May 13, 2005 was as set out in the table:

I am further informed that local Garda management are satisfied that the resources allocated to Shankill Garda station are sufficient to effectively and efficiently police the Shankill sub-district.

On 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 the agreed programme for Government commitment. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The Commissioner is now drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of Shankill 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 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 and they will have a real impact.