David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in the Fermoy district for each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22865/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in the Mitchelstown, Kildorrery and Kilworth Garda stations in the Fermoy district for each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22866/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána rose to a record 12,641 on 8 June 2006 with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength of the Fermoy District as at 31 December 2002, 2003, 2004 2005 and 30 April 2006 was as follows:

The personnel strength of the Mitchelstown, Kildorrey and Kilworth Garda Stations as at the 31st December 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 was as follows:

I am also advised that in conjunction with the most recent allocation of Probationer Gardaí on 9 June 2006 a total of 12 Gardaí are to be assigned to the Cork North Division — nine (9) Probationer Gardaí by way of first allocation on attestation, and a further three (3) Gardaí by way of permanent inter-Divisional transfer. The full allocation of 12 members is due to take place by 11 July 2006. I am further advised that four (4) of these 12 Gardaí are due to be assigned to the Fermoy District.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

I should add 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. The second group of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in June and further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete.