Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 488: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of Garda stations throughout County Laois that are open on a full-time basis, on a part-time basis and if so the extent of same; the number closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35319/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Garda stations listed as follows in County Laois are open during the following hours, seven days a week:

Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign 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 now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Laois-Offaly division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 489: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí of all ranks and the number of patrol cars available to or operating out of the Garda stations in County Laois on a station basis; if this service is adequate having regard to the crime and demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35325/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of each Garda station in County Laois as at 18 November 2005 was as set out as follows:

The numbers of Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

The number of vehicles available to or operating from Garda stations in County Laois is as set out as follows:

Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An 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 now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Laois-Offaly division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.