Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in towns (details supplied) in South Tipperary; the number of extra Gardaí allocated to each town since 1997; the number of Gardaí taken away from each town since 1997; and the number of Gardaí located in each of the towns listed per thousand citizens. [42359/06]

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 that the personnel strength of Clonmel, Carrick-On-Suir, Tipperary Town, Cahir, Fethard and Cashel Garda Stations as at 31 December, 1997 and 7 December, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder. Figures for the number of Gardaí per 1,000 population as at 7 December, 2006 are also included in the following table. These figures are based on the 2002 Census of Population.

Garda Management also state that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Tipperary Garda Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 7 December, 2006 was 297 and 339, respectively, representing an increase of 42 (or 14%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Division during that period.

The Tipperary 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.