Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the rapid growth in population, there is an urgent need for a permanently based junior liaison officer in Gorey; if this is the view of a relevant group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/05]

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 resources, including personnel, that the current full-time juvenile liaison officer allocated to Gorey district is based in Arklow Garda station. This full-time juvenile liaison officer deals with and monitors referrals under the juvenile diversion programme for qualifying young people from the Gorey area. Local Garda management state they are satisfied that the current arrangement is working effectively.

In respect of Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will shortly draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context the needs of Gorey Garda station and the juvenile diversion programme will be fully considered within the overall context of Garda needs throughout the country.