Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the location of the new 24 hour Garda stations that were established within the past 10 years; the change in operating hours in the 11 stations that made changes to their hours within the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38332/06]

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 by the Garda authorities that the Garda Station at Dublin Airport which was established in 1998 was the new 24-hour Garda Station in question. The locations and hours of operation of the 11 Garda Stations that reduced their opening hours within the past 10 years are set out as follows:

The operation of a Garda station on a 24 hour basis necessitates the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who in the opinion of the Commissioner would be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

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.