Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with regard to the proposed new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare the number of senior Garda officers expected to be located there; if the station will be used as a divisional command centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter [4392/07]

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.

Leixlip Garda Station forms part of the DMR West Garda Division and I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans to change the Divisional Headquarters at present.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the current strength of Leixlip Garda Station is 3 Sergeants and 22 Gardaí.

The allocation of Garda resources will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Leixlip Garda Station and the DMR West Garda Division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.