Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a needs assessment done for a Garda station or sub-station in Palmerstown; the number of Gardaí covering the Palmerstown, Clondalkin and Lucan areas; and if additional Gardaí are proposed or will be sent to that area. [40813/06]

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 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 Palmerstown area is patrolled by both Ronanstown and Ballyfermot Garda Stations. The personnel strength of Ronanstown, Ballyfermot, Lucan and Clondalkin Garda Stations, which form part of the D.M.R. West Division, as at 31 December 1997 and as at 29 November 2006 is as set out in the following table:

The personnel strength of the D.M.R. West Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 513 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the D.M.R. West Division as at 29 November, 2006 is 719 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 206 (or 40.1%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. I am not aware of any plans by the Garda authorities to change the policing structures which operate in this area.

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.