John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 646: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Lucan on 1 January 2005, January 2003, January 2001 and January 1999. [19595/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 647: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Clondalkin station on 1 January 2005, January 2003, January 2001 and January 1999. [19596/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 648: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Ronanstown station on 1 January 2005, January 2003, January 2001 and January 1999. [19597/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 649: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the strength of the Garda force in Lucan has increased at an appropriate rate over the past ten years to keep pace with the rapid growth in population in Lucan; and if there are any plans to increase the Garda force in Lucan to keep pace with population growth and increases in crime. [19598/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 646 to 649, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of the Garda stations at Lucan, Clondalkin and Ronanstown as at 1 January 2005, 2003, 2001 and 1999 was as set out in the following table:

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is satisfied that the levels of Garda personnel allocated to the areas concerned are adequate to meet the present policing needs of these areas. Resources are augmented from within the divisions as required. The areas are also patrolled by the divisional crime task forces, community policing units, district detective units and district drug units.

I have been further informed by the Garda that the Lucan District was formed in 1997 as part of the newly created Dublin metropolitan region west division. The personnel strength of Lucan district as at 10 June 2005 was 183 — all ranks. This compares with a figure of 69 on 31 December 1997 and represents an increase of 114, or 165%, since that date. The personnel strength of DMR west division as at 10 June 2005 was 678 — all ranks. This compares with a figure of 502 on 31 December 1997 and represents an increase of 176, or 35%, since that date.

Garda personnel assigned to the areas concerned together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy are constantly monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of these areas will be fully considered within the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 650: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of the lawyers who represent or who have represented the Garda Commissioner or the former Garda Commissioner at the Morris tribunal of inquiry; and the amount of costs recommended or awarded to the lawyers in respect of both of the aforementioned by the tribunal. [19603/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 651: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of the lawyers who represent or who have represented him at the Morris tribunal of inquiry; and the amount of costs recommended or awarded to his lawyers to date by the tribunal. [19604/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.

A single team of counsel was appointed to represent the Garda Commissioner and certain members of the Garda Síochána, namely, Mr. Patrick Marrinan SC; Mr. Michael Durack SC; Ms Tara Burns BL; Mr. Paul Gormley BL; Mr. Eamon Leahy SC; and Ms Nuala Butler SC.

A single team of counsel was also appointed to represent the Department-Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, namely, Mr. Paul O'Higgins SC; Mr. Fergal Foley BL; and Ms Mary Kerrigan BL. The tribunal has not made any award or recommendation as to the payment of costs in respect of these counsel.