Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has received reports of cocaine dealing in areas (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is not aware of any incidents of cocaine dealing at the location specified by the Deputy. In recent months one premises in the locality has been the subject of a planned search under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 1984. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that no evidence of cocaine dealing in the area was established. I understand that there are daily foot and mobile patrols in the area and that gardaí attached to the divisional drugs unit and the Store Street community policing unit continue to liaise with the local traders association with a view to eradicating any drug use in the area.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bandon Garda district in west Cork for the years 2000 to 2004 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [17092/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In relation to crime figures the Deputy will be aware that on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis in order to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to 6 per 1,000 over the longer period of eleven quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country. In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy will also wish to be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.

The following tables show the headline offences for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, for the Bandon Garda district. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Cork west division as at 20 May 2005 was 253, all ranks. The personnel strength of Bandon Garda district as at 20 May 2005 was 88, all ranks. The personnel strength of Bandon Garda station as at 20 May 2005 was 65, all ranks. The number of Garda personnel assigned to each station, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. Bandon Garda station is open to the public on a 24-hour basis. Accordingly, gardaí attached to Bandon Garda station provide a 24-hour service to the Bandon district.

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 the 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.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes, across all headings, recorded and detected for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, for Listowel Garda district, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17173/05]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes, across all headings, recorded and detected for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, for Tralee Garda district, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17175/05]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes, across all headings, recorded and detected for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, for Castleisland Garda district, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17176/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 to 323, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to six per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country. In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy will also wish to be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.

The following tables show the headline offences, for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, for the Listowel Garda district, the Tralee Garda district and the Killarney Garda district, which covers the Castleisland area.