Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 202: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to community policing in County Kildare; the stations they are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5626/07]

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 that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow-Kildare Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 281 and 367, respectively, representing an increase of 86 (or 31%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Division during that period. The number of Community Gardaí assigned to County Kildare on 12 February, 2007 was 6 (all ranks). Three of these Community Gardaí are assigned to Naas Garda station and three are assigned to Leixlip Garda Station.

I have also been informed that the Carlow/ Kildare Division'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.