Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí currently deployed; the location of these community gardaí; if there is a set minimum period for community gardaí to establish themselves in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15638/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2006 was 12,439. This compares with a total strength of 10,702, all ranks, as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,737, or 16.2%, in the personnel strength of the force during that period.

The number and location of community gardaí throughout the country, as at 31 March 2006, is as follows:

It is the responsibility of each divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division in order to provide the best possible service to the public throughout the division. In this regard, personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall strategic and operational strategy are continually monitored and reviewed.

Garda management states that the deployment of gardaí in the role of community gardaí is the remit of local Garda management. Members engaged in community policing can vary widely from place to place and over time. Garda management further states that there is no set minimum period for community gardaí to establish themselves in an area.