Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí based in areas (details supplied) for each of the years 2000 for date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41890/06]

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 personnel strength (all ranks) of the Community Policing unit at Lucan, Clondalkin and Rathcoole Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2000 to 2005 and as at 31 October, 2006 was as set out in the table.

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.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 163: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí in the Bridewell Garda station; the number of gardaí trained there for the use of mountain bikes; the number of mountain bikes available in the station; and when the required number of bikes will be available. [41953/06]

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 also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Community Policing Unit at the Bridewell Garda Station as at 4 December 2006 was 2 Sergeants and 14 Gardaí. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí at the Bridewell Garda Station trained in the use of mountain bikes as at 4 December, 2006 was 9 (all ranks).

Local Garda Management report that there are currently two mountain bikes available for use at the Bridewell Garda Station. One further mountain bike has been allocated to the Bridewell Garda Station and will be delivered in the coming weeks. Available Mountain Bikes are shared among the trained members, who would, in the normal course, find themselves rostered for duty at different times.

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.