Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 348: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a recent spate of robberies in Bunclody, County Wexford; if he is satisfied that there is adequate Garda manpower to deal with same; if the Garda complement for Bunclody can be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36384/05]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current personnel strength of Bunclody Garda station as at 25 November 2005 is five, all ranks. This compares to a strength of three, all ranks, on 31 December 1997.

On 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 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. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Bunclody will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. 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.

The table shows the numbers of robbery offences recorded and detected from 1 January 2000 to 31 October 2005 in the Garda district of Gorey. Bunclody Garda sub-district is part of the Gorey Garda district.