Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if in view of an increased population in Castlebridge in County Wexford and a subsequent rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, there are plans to provide 24-hour Garda protection for the people of Castlebridge; if so, when they will be introduced; the alternative proposals and if such plans do not exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7827/07]

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 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 personnel strength of Castlebridge Garda Station on 26 February, 2007 was 1. Castlebridge Garda Station forms part of the Wexford District. The personnel strength of the Wexford District on 31 December, 1997 and 26 February, 2007 was 76 and 104 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 28 (or36.8%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Castlebridge Garda Station is open to the public from 10am to 1pm daily, subject to manpower availability. The call diversion system is in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Wexford Garda Station.

Garda Management state that the extension of the opening hours at Castlebridge Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor duties.

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.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that recorded crime in the area was relatively static between 2000 and 2004. However, local Garda management has noted an increase in the number of domestic burglaries and thefts from farm holdings/building sites in rural areas of the sub-district in the past two years. As a result, Superintendent Wexford met with members of the Castlebridge Community Council in October 2006 to discuss crime and traffic issues. Local Garda management constantly monitors crime and personnel levels to ensure every option is examined in order to provide a higher Garda presence in the sub district of Castlebridge by augmenting resources whenever possible. The local community has been assured of the support and commitment of An Garda Síochána to provide a high visibility presence in the sub-district.

Current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property and public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the Castlebridge area.