Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to redraw Garda divisions as they relate to north Kildare. [15999/05]

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 there are currently no plans to alter Garda divisional structures as they relate to north Kildare.

The Deputy will, however, be aware that in October 2004 the Government 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, and this context the needs of the north Kildare area will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.