Dermot Fitzpatrick (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 153: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the complement of Garda officers serving from the Cabra, Mountjoy, Store Street, Fitzgibbon Street and the Bridewell Garda stations during each of the years 2003 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37038/06]

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 induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 has resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. 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 Cabra Garda Station forms part of the "K" District of the D.M.R. West Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the "K" District as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 247 and 316, respectively, representing an increase of 69 (or 27.9%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the "K" District during that period. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the Garda stations in the "K" District as at 31 December, 1997, 31 December, 2003-2005, inclusively, and as at 8 November, 2006 was as set out in the table.

Cabra Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the D.M.R. West Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 513 and 692, respectively, representing an increase of 179 (or 34.8%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Division during that period. The Garda authorities have also informed me that Mountjoy Garda Station and Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station form the "U" District in the D.M.R. North Central Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the "U" District as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 198 and 202, respectively. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the Garda stations in the "U" District as at 31 December, 1997, 31 December, 2003-2005, inclusively, and as at 8 November, 2006 was as set out in the table.

The Garda authorities also state that Store Street Garda Station and the Bridewell Garda Station form Districts "C" and "D" in the D.M.R. North Central Division, respectively. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Store Street Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 231 and 270, respectively, representing an increase of 39 (or 16.8%) in the number of personnel allocated to the Station during that period. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Bridewell Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 156 and 164, respectively, representing an increase of 8 (or 5.12%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Store Street and Bridewell Garda stations as at 31 December, 1997, 31 December, 2003-2005, inclusively, and as at 8 November, 2006 was as set out in the table.

Mountjoy, Store Street, Bridewell and Fitzgibbon Street Garda stations forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan North Central Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the D.M.R. North Central Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 8 November, 2006 was 585 and 642, respectively, representing an increase of 57 (or 9.7%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the D.M.R. North Central Division during that period.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer 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. 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.