Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey stations; the plans he has to increase the number in each station; the duties of each of the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/05]

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 the personnel strength — all ranks — of Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey Garda stations as at 28 June 2005 was as set out in the table hereunder:

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that all members of the Garda Síochána, stationed in the above stations, are engaged in normal policing duties. Garda authorities also state that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey Garda stations will be fully considered.

In respect of 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.

The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered in the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very 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 frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.