Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to increase the Garda numbers in Bagenalstown, Tullow and Ballon Garda Stations to take account of the growing populations in those areas; and the criteria used in making such a decision. [8139/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 1100 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 Tullow Garda Station on 27 February, 2007 was 9 (all ranks). Tullow Garda Station forms part of the Baltinglass District. The personnel strength of the Baltinglass District on 31 December, 1997 and 27 February, 2007 (all ranks) was 49 and 62 respectively. This represents an increase of 13 (or 26.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

The Garda authorities state that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Bagenalstown Garda Station and Ballon Garda Station on 27 February, 2007 was 7 and 1, respectively. Bagenalstown and Ballon Garda Stations form part of the Carlow District. The personnel strength of the Carlow District on 31 December, 1997 and 27 February, 2007 (all ranks) was 68 and 95 respectively. This represents an increase of 27 (or 39.7%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Local Garda management state that they are satisfied that the resources currently allocated to Bagenalstown, Tullow and Ballon Garda Stations in the Carlow/Kildare Division are adequate to meet the present policing needs of those areas.

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 I know that the Garda Commissioner will take full account of the needs of the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division in his allocation of the very considerable increase currently under way in the strength of the Force.