Michael J Collins (Limerick West, Independent)
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Question 180: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full time Gardaí stationed in Kilfinane, County Limerick; and his plans to augment this in view of pending retirements. [40060/06]

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 Kilfinane Garda Station as at 27 November, 2006 was 1 Garda. Local Garda Management report that a decision on a replacement Garda at Kilfinane Garda Station would be made should the member currently serving there indicate an intention to retire.

Kilfinane forms part of the Limerick Division. The personnel strength of the Limerick Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 423 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the Limerick Division as at 27 November, 2006 was 529 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 106 (or 25%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

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.

Michael J Collins (Limerick West, Independent)
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Question 181: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in each of the Garda districts in the Limerick Division; and the trend in numbers over the past five years. [40061/06]

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 that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda District in the Limerick Division as at 31 December 1997, 2001-2005, inclusively, and as at 23 November 2006 was as set out in the following table:

This represents an increase of 106 (or 25%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Limerick Division during the period outlined in the table. The Limerick Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources to provide a comprehensive policing service to the community.

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.