Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda force employed in the Roscommon East Galway division by rank and location; the increase in Garda numbers in this division between 2001 and 31 December 2006 and in which Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 447: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in Lusk and Rush Garda stations; if there are plans to increase the allocation of Gardaí in both these stations; if the part-time station of Lusk is to be amalgamated with its counterpart in Rush; and if it is proposed to increase the allocation of Gardaí to the Balbriggan Station. [2855/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers on 1 January in each of the years 2003 to 2007. [2856/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 449: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full-time members of An Garda Síochána as of 1 January 2007. [2857/07]

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 on 31 December, 2006 the total number of persons recruited to An Garda Síochána reached an all-time high of 14,068. Following the attestation of 299 new members on 16 November, 2006., the attested strength reached a record 13,000. 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%), during that period.

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.