Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 281: 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 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Community Policing Unit based at Pearse St, Harcourt Terrace, Kevin Street, Donnybrook, Rathmines and Terenure Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2000 to 2006 (inclusive) was as set out in the table hereunder:

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that 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.

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 282: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average percentage of Gardaí who are on duty at any particular time in respect of each station in the Louth Meath Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1375/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Gardaí authorities that the personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division as at 31 December 1997 and 29 January 2007 was 498 and 549 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 51 (or 10.24%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that 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.

For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number or percentage of personnel on duty at any specific area or over any given period of time.

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 283: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the growth in population of the Dunboyne area of County Meath, he will appoint extra Gardaí to Dunboyne Garda Station and arrange for the station to be open on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1376/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 25 January, 2007 was 498 and 549 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 51 (or 10.2%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of Dunboyne Garda Station as at 25 January, 2007 was 14 (all ranks). Dunboyne Garda Station is normally open to the public from 10am to 1pm daily. The Public Access Call Box (P.A.C.B.) and call diversion system are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Ashbourne Garda Station.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the extension of the opening hours of Dunboyne Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that 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.

I am informed that the needs of the Louth/Meath Division, which includes Dunboyne Garda Station, will be considered by the Garda Commissioner in the next allocation of probationer Gardaí.