John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Aglish Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7172/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Ballymacarbery Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7173/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Cappoquin Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Dunmore East Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7175/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Kill Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7176/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Killmacthomas Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7177/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Killmeadon Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Leamybrien Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7179/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 231: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Lismore Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7180/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Passage East Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7181/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Portlaw Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7182/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Rathgormack Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7183/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Ring Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Stradbally Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7185/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Tallow Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7186/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Ardmore Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7187/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the hours each day that Ballyduff Garda station in County Waterford is open to the public; if telephone calls to the station outside of the public opening hours are answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 239, inclusive, 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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 Stations referred to in the Deputy's questions are in the Waterford, Dungarvan, Tramore and Fermoy Garda Districts. The personnel strength of each of these Districts (all ranks) at the end of 31 December 1997 and at the end of 31 December 2006 is as set out in the following table:

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel that the normal opening hours of Stations referred to by the Deputy is as set out in the table hereunder:

When a Station is not open, P.A.C.B. (Public Access Call Box) and call diversion systems are in operation to the relevant District Headquarters Garda Station. District Headquarters Garda Stations are open to the public on a 24-hour basis.

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.