Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this is the number assigned to this area; if not, the plans to bring the station up to the stated number; his plans to provide any of the new community gardaí to this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10611/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the opening hours of a Garda station (details supplied); the arrangements if the station is closed; the number of Garda cars attached to the station; the arrangements for Garda cars if the station is closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10612/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Rathangan Garda Station on 20 March, 2007 was 3 (all ranks). Local Garda Management report that it is proposed to increase the strength of Rathangan Garda Station by 1 in April, 2007. Rathangan Garda Station forms part of the Carlow/Kildare Division. The personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division on 31 December, 1997 and 20 March, 2007 was 281 and 392 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 111 (or 39.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The number of personnel (all ranks) allocated to Community Policing duties in the Carlow/Kildare Division on 20 March, 2007 was 3 (all ranks).

Local Garda Management report that while all Gardaí based at Rathangan Garda Station are not officially designated as Community Gardaí, they patrol and interact with the community on a daily basis. All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as they arise. The opening hours of Rathangan Garda Station are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, subject to operational demands. Outside of these hours, the Call Diversion System and Public Access Call Box (PACB) are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Kildare Garda Station.

If the Garda car which is allocated to Rathangan is not available or in the event of a member not being on duty in Rathangan Garda Station, calls are dealt with by Gardaí from Kildare Garda Station, who can, if necessary, also be assisted by Gardaí from Newbridge Garda Station.

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.