Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to provide additional gardaí and resources for Dungarvan, County Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Dungarvan Garda station as at 4 October 2005 was 35, all ranks. The personnel strength of Dungarvan Garda station as at 31 December 1997 was 28, all ranks. This represents an increase of seven, or 25%, in the number of personnel allocated to Dungarvan Garda station since that date.

I am further advised that the numbers of Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public. However, the situation will be kept under review and the policing needs of Dungarvan will continue to be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda districts and divisions throughout the country.

With regard to 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.

Clearly, of course, 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. One thing I have already promised is 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.