Written answers

Wednesday, 15 November 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Gardaí have not been replaced in a town (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38027/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael 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 the personnel strength (all ranks) of Ballinrobe Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and 14 November, 2006 was 7 and 9, respectively, representing an increase of 2 in the number of personnel allocated to the Station during that period.

Garda management state that every effort is made to fill vacancies that have arisen as a result of promotions/retirements during each allocation of newly promoted/attested Garda personnel.

Garda management further state that the situation will be kept under review and the needs of Ballinrobe Garda Station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

I should add that 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.

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