Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will discuss with the Garda Commissioner the policing needs of Tallaght, Dublin 24, and make the case for the assignment of additional Garda manpower to Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26585/05]

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 Tallaght Garda station at 3 October 2005 was 173, covering all ranks. The personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station at 31 December 1997 was 133, all ranks. That represents an increase of 40, or 30%, in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since that date. Local Garda management report that those resources are further augmented by the divisional crime task force based at Crumlin Garda station, the divisional traffic unit based at Terenure Garda station, and the national support units such as the Garda dog unit, the air support unit, and the mounted unit.

I am further advised that local Garda management is satisfied that the resources currently attached to Tallaght Garda station are sufficient to police the Tallaght sub-district. However, the situation will be kept under review, and the policing needs of Tallaght will continue to be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda districts and divisions throughout the country.

Regarding Garda resources generally, I am 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 the Agreed Programme for Government commitment in that regard. That is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies 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 increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties very significantly as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing that 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.