Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in each Garda station in Dublin south east for each of the past five years; the number of gardaí engaged in desk work in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/07]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí located in each Garda station in Dublin south east for each of the past five years; the number of gardaí engaged in desk work in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

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.

The personnel strength of the DMR South Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 (all ranks) was 471 and 595 respectively. This represents an increase of 124 (or 26.3%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of the DMR East Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 (all ranks) was 546 and 591 respectively. This represents an increase of 45 (or 8.24%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

I have been further informed that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) in each Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South and East Divisions for each of the past five years was as set out in the table.

I have also been informed that the number of Community Gardaí (all ranks), by station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South and East Divisions for each of the past five years was as set out in the table.

The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

An additional 900 civilian posts have been approved for An Garda Síochána since 2005, most recently I obtained sanction from the Government in December 2006 for the immediate direct recruitment of 300 additional civilian staff by the Garda Commissioner. These new civilian resources will allow for the release of a significant number of Gardaí to frontline operational duties.

Garda management state that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) currently assigned to administrative duties in the DMR South and East Divisions are as set out in the table. This number was calculated on the basis of those personnel who are in receipt of Designated post and Ex-Gratia allowances and as such are employed on administrative duties.

I am also informed that the DMR's 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.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. 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.