Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 218: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength allocated to Kinnegad in 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2006; if he has satisfied himself with the said allocation in the context that the population of Kinnegad and its hinterland has increased almost fivefold since the 1970s; if, in view of same, he will take steps to ensure that additional Garda personnel are allocated to this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3618/07]

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 the personnel strength for Kinnegad Garda Station and the Longford/Westmeath Garda Division as at 31 December 1997, 2000 and 2006 was as set out here in the table hereunder:

I am further informed that resources are augmented from within the District/Division, to patrol and respond to any calls from the Kinnegad area. 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. Garda management state that the information requested in relation to the Garda personnel strength for Kinnegad Garda Station for 1970, 1980 and 1990 is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is the responsibility of Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. In this regard, I am informed by Garda management that 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. The allocation of Garda resources will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Longford/Westmeath Division and Kinnegad Garda Stations will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions and Stations throughout the country.