Written answers

Tuesday, 14 November 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Stations

9:00 am

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda Stations in the Roscommon East Galway division which have living quarters which do not have a Garda residing in the station; the steps he is taking to encourage the occupancy of such stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37699/06]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in the Sligo Leitrim division which have living quarters which do not have a Garda residing in the station; the steps he is taking to encourage the occupancy of such stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 207 together.

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 there are 10 Garda residential stations in the Roscommon/ Galway East Division and 10 Garda residential stations in the Sligo/Leitrim Division where the residential accommodation is currently unoccupied. Local Garda Management and Garda Human Resource Management actively seek suitable candidates to reside in all habitable residential accommodation attached to Garda Stations.

I should add that it is also 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.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of Garda stations in the Roscommon East Galway division which require refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37700/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the following stations are scheduled for refurbishment/replacement on the various Garda Building Programmes. A new station is currently under construction at Castlerea with a planned completion date of January next. Refurbishment works are also planned for Boyle, Ballinasloe, Roscommon, Strokestown and Clonark stations. In addition, it is proposed to provide smaller standard stations at Elphin, Kilconnell, Ballintubber, Athleague, Ballyforan and Cootehill stations.

As with all projects on the Garda Building Programmes progress is dependent on overall agreed priorities, with cooperation and commitment of all concerned — my Department, the Garda authorities and the Representative Association and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote such capital works are funded.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and locations of Garda stations in the Roscommon East Galway division which do not have access to a fax machine; the corresponding number and location of stations without access to the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37701/06]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of Garda stations in the Sligo Leitrim Division which do not have access to a fax machine; the corresponding number and location of stations without access to the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37704/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 209 together.

The information requested in relation to access to fax machines and PULSE in the Sligo/Leitrim and Roscommon/East Galway divisions of An Garda Síochána is being collated and I will respond to the Deputy directly with it shortly.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and locations of Garda stations in the Sligo Leitrim division which require refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37703/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the following stations are scheduled for refurbishment/ replacement on the various Garda Building Programmes. There are plans to build a new Garda station at Ballymote, Co. Sligo. The Office of Public Works has brought this project to planning stage and it plans to invite tenders for the construction works in February 2007. There are also plans to update and extend the facilities at Sligo Garda Station. In order to explore all options, the Garda authorities have identified a number of sites that may be suitable and this information has been forwarded to the Office of Public Works. There are also plans to build a smaller standard station at Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

I should add that as with all projects on the Garda Building Programmes progress is dependent on overall agreed priorities. The Garda Building Programme is progressed and prioritised, with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned — my Department, the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote such capital works are funded.

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