Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional cost to the Exchequer to date as a result of the increased Garda presence at Shannon Airport, County Clare, since Garda security was increased there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37529/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The detailed information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled by the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional number of gardaí that are on duty at Shannon Airport since security was enhanced there; the numbers required to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37531/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which 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 the personnel strength of Shannon Garda Station as at 13 November, 2006 was 91 (all ranks). This includes 1 Inspector, 4 Sergeants and 40 Probationer Gardaí who have been assigned to Shannon Garda Station as a consequence of the enhanced Security Measures at Shannon Airport. The additional Inspector and 4 Sergeants are temporarily transferred to Shannon and rotated on a monthly basis. The 40 Probationer Gardaí are allocated from the Garda College on a three monthly basis. Garda management state that the Security Operation is continually reviewed and staffed accordingly.

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.