Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 204: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected future policing needs of a village (details supplied) in County Tipperary in the context of recent and future house building developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40364/06]

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 the 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 further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ardfinnan Garda Station as at 27 November, 2006 was one. Ardfinnan forms part of the Cahir District. The personnel strength of Cahir District as at 31 December 1997 was 38 (all ranks). The personnel strength of Cahir District as at 27 November 2006 was 52 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 14 (or 36.84%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Resources are augmented from within the Division/District as required. Local Garda Management report that the area is also patrolled by the District Detective Unit and the Divisional Traffic Unit. I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. 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.