Written answers

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Stations

11:00 am

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in South Tipperary that have lost their allocation of a full-time Garda presence in the period 1997 to date in 2006; and the stations which have lost their allocations. [42360/06]

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 personnel strength of An Garda Síochána (all ranks) as at 4 December, 2006 was 12,990. 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 local Garda Management report that all Garda Stations in the South Tipperary Districts of Cahir, Clonmel and Tipperary Town which had a full time Garda presence in 1997 still have a full time Garda presence at present.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division. 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.

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