Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the name and the number of Garda stations in County Mayo closed in the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/07]

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 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 am further informed by the Garda authorities that no Garda Stations in County Mayo have been closed over the past 10 years.

The personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 258 and 279 respectively. This represents an increase of 21 (or 8.1%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer in Co. Mayo to allocate personnel within the Division 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.