Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda numbers in the Blanchardstown area have kept up with the increase in population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/06]

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 An 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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Blanchardstown Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 15 May, 2006 was 89 and 164, respectively. This represents a major increase — 84% — in the number of personnel allocated to Blanchardstown Garda Station during that period. This increase reflects in part the fact that the District "K" Headquarters in Dublin Metropolitan Region West has moved from Cabra Garda Station to Blanchardstown Garda Station during that period.

Garda personnel assignments 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 Garda service is provided to the general public.

I should also say that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members 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 this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and a further 275 newly attested Gardaí will come on stream every 90 days from here on in. 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 Blanchardstown Garda Station will be given the fullest consideration.