Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the provision of a new Garda station for the rapidly growing Ballycullen area of south Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32784/06]

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 increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed that, at present, the Ballycullen area of Dublin is policed by both Tallaght and Rathfarnham Garda Stations. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Tallaght Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 17 October, 2006 was 133 and 173, respectively, representing an increase of 40 (or 30%) in the number of Gardaí allocated to the station during that period. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Rathfarnham Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 17 October, 2006 was 63 and 69, respectively, representing an increase of 6 (or 9.5%) in the number of Gardaí allocated to the station during that period.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans at the present time to provide a new Garda Station in the Ballycullen area of South Dublin.

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. Garda management state that 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 first three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. 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 the Ballycullen area of South Dublin will be given the fullest consideration.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to upgrade or replace the Garda station in Stepaside and to increase the number of Gardaí stationed there to reflect the increase in population in the Stepaside area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32785/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are plans to undertake a development project at Stepaside Garda Station under the Garda Building Programme. Projects are progressed under the Garda Building Programme on the basis of agreed priorities. This is achieved by consensus and with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned — the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works for Garda properties are funded. As with all such projects within the Garda Building Programme, Stepaside will be progressed as quickly as overall priorities and resources allow.

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. Garda management state that 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 first three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. 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 the Garda station referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.