Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Fermoy division during 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7295/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Fermoy district in Cork north division. I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of all ranks of the Fermoy district as at 31 December 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 was as set out in the following table.

It is the responsibility of the divisional officer for the Cork north division to allocate personnel within the division. In this regard, I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of all ranks of the Cork north division as at 31 December 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 was as set out in the following table.

The allocation of such resources throughout the division is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Cork north division with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.

I should also say that the timeframe for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength of both attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007 by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. The Garda Commissioner will draw up plans for the distribution of these additional resources and the needs of the Fermoy district will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.