Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when additional gardaí will be granted to Fethard, County Tipperary. [4969/07]

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 have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Fethard Garda Station on 8 February, 2007 was one Sergeant. Garda Management report that an additional member of Garda rank was allocated to Fethard Garda Station on 12 February, 2007. Fethard Garda Station forms part of the Tipperary Division. The personnel strength of the Tipperary Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 297 and 338 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 41 (or 13.8%) on the number of personnel allocated since that date.

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.

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.

During the allocation of newly attested personnel the needs of Fethard Garda Station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.