Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for each of the districts within the Galway east-Roscommon Garda division in the years 1997, 2000 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18797/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible opportunity.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bantry 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. [18805/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 831 on Tuesday, 31 May 2005. The information requested by the Deputy is given in the tables.

With regard to crime figures, 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 6 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. 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 tables show the headline offences, for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, for the Bantry Garda District.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the current personnel strength of the Bantry district, as at 31 May 2005, was 41, 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.

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 the 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.