Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps his Department and the Garda authorities have taken to restore the full complement of Garda Síochána numbers to the Killucan, Rathwire, Raharney area as the normal compliment in this area is two members; when precisely will it be restored to the original compliment of two Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4619/07]

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 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.

The Garda authorities also inform me that Killucan Garda Station forms part of the Longford/Westmeath Division. The personnel strength of the Longford/Westmeath Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 31 December, 2006 was 232 and 278 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 46 (or 19.82%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. I have been further informed that the personnel strength of Killucan Garda Station on 31 December 2005, 31 December 2006 and 6 February, 2007 was 2 (all ranks). Local Garda Management report that the Killucan sub-district benefits from additional on-going patrols by members attached to the Divisional Traffic Corps and the District Detective Unit. I am also advised by Local Garda Management that special patrols under Operation Anvil are carried out on in the Killucan, Raharney and Rathwire areas. 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.