Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the manpower levels in each of the three divisional Garda areas of Mayfield, Gurranabraher and Cobh in the years from 2001 to 2005; the number of personnel available for active patrolling duties on each evening in these areas; if the strength of this deployment is adequate to respond to the rising incidents of anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17247/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength at all ranks of Mayfield, Gurranabraher and Cobh districts as at 31 December, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and as at 20 May 2005 was as set out hereunder:

For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel who will perform duty in any particular area over a specific period of time. Local Garda management is satisfied that the resources deployed are adequate to deal with anti-social behaviour incidents as they arise and that the resources available are being utilised effectively. Garda resources assigned to the southern region are continually monitored and reviewed as part of overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

Regarding Garda resources generally, I am, of course, 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 An Agreed Programme for Government commitment 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 be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of Mayfield, Gurranabraher and Cobh districts will be fully considered within the context of the needs of districts throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for government. While the programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, it will also be possible to address other priorities, 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 front-line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.