Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 220: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based at thestation at Clonmany, County Donegal; the number of gardaí serving the parish of Clonmany. [6079/07]

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 Clonmany Garda Station which covers the Parish of Clonmany on 16 February, 2007 was 2 (all ranks). Clonmany Garda Station forms part of Buncrana District. The personnel strength of Buncrana District on 31 December 2006 was 86 (all ranks).

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.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Clonmany area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.