Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Clonakilty Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40114/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bantry Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40116/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bandon Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40117/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 187 and 188 together.

Headline crime statistics for the years 2000 to 2005 for the Garda Division of Cork West, which includes the Garda Districts of Bandon, Clonakilty, Bantry are contained in the relevant Garda Annual Reports. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library. 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 of the Cork West Division as at 31 December 1997 and 28 November, 2006 was 223 and 263, respectively, representing an increase of 40 (or 18%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Division during that period.

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.