Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Stations

7:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the times when Youghal Garda station is open with gardaí present to facilitate members of the public; if a review has been carried out on the impact of the station being closed at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42044/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael 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 of Youghal Garda Station as at 5 December, 2006 was 21 (all ranks). Youghal Garda Station forms part of the Midleton District. The personnel strength of Midleton District as at 31 December, 1997 was 56 (all ranks). The personnel strength of Midleton District as at 6 December, 2006 was 71 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 15 (or 26.7%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

The opening hours of Youghal Garda Station are from 8am to 10pm daily. The opening hours at Youghal Garda Station were revised in December, 2003. Local Garda Management report that the revised opening hours have been monitored and reviewed on a regular basis since their introduction. They have regularly met with local representatives and have kept them informed of all developments. Local Garda Management also report that they are satisfied that the current policing arrangements in Youghal and the revised opening hours have and will continue to have a positive impact on policing in the town.

Finally, I am informed by Garda management that they consider that the extension of the opening hours at Youghal Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

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