Written answers
Wednesday, 22 November 2006
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Garda Strength
9:00 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 201: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda force in the Mayo division by rank and location; the number of vacancies that exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39642/06]
Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context
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 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) 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 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 informed by the Garda authorities that the Gardaí serving in the Mayo Division, by rank and location as at 20 November, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
| Station | C/Supt. | Supt. | Insp. | Sgt. | Garda | Total 20/11/06 |
| Castlebar | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 51 | 65 |
| Ballyvary | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Ballyglass | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Balla | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Partry | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Tourmakeady | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Garda Information Services | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | ||
| Ballina | 1 | 1 | 6 | 33 | 41 | |
| Killala | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Ballycastle | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Bonniconlon | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Crossmolina | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Lahardane | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Enniscrone | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Easkey | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Belmullet | 1 | 3 | 18 | 22 | ||
| Blacksod | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Bellacorick | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Bangor Erris | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Ballycroy | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Glenamoy | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Claremorris | 1 | 3 | 18 | 22 | ||
| Kilmaine | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Ballindine | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Knock | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Ballinrobe | 2 | 7 | 9 | |||
| Cong | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Shrule | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Swinford | 1 | 2 | 23 | 26 | ||
| Kiltimagh | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||
| Charlestown | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Kilkelly | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Ballyhaunis | 2 | 7 | 9 | |||
| Foxford | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Westport | 1 | 3 | 22 | 26 | ||
| Newport | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Achill Sound | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Mulranny | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Louisburgh | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Keel | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 1 | 6 | 3 | 46 | 221 | 277 |
The personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 31 December, 2005 was 259 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 20 November, 2006 was 277 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 18 (or 6.9%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. 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.
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.
No comments