Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will furnish a response to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/07]

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 13,178 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, 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 been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Strokestown Garda Station on 22 March 2007 was 3 (all ranks). Strokestown Garda Station forms part of the Roscommon Garda District. The personnel strength of the Roscommon Garda District on 22 March 2007 was 70 (all ranks).

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 opening hours of Strokestown Garda Station are 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, subject to manpower availability. Outside of these hours, the call diversion system and Public Access Call Box (P.A.C.B) are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Roscommon Garda Station.

The extension of the opening hours at Strokestown Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

Local Garda Management state that the sub-district of Strokestown is patrolled on a regular basis by the District patrol car attached to Roscommon Garda Station, the District Detective Unit, the Divisional Traffic Unit and Community Policing. Resources are augmented within the District/Division as required. All incidents reported to Garda are fully investigated and investigation files are submitted to the Law Officers.

I am informed that, to date in 2007, there has been one incident of criminal damage reported to the Garda. In 2006 there were eight, none of which, the Garda authorities advise, were reported by the person referred to. However, an incident of criminal damage to the Community Hall was reported by the person in 2005. The incident was thoroughly investigated and resulted in a number of persons being arrested who were subsequently dealt with under the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

Following an analysis of burglary, criminal damage and theft-related offences a number of suspects from the locality were identified. I am informed that local Garda Management put initiatives in place under Operation 'Anvil' including additional patrols by plain-clothes personnel in place which have resulted in a reduction in the number of these types of crime committed.

Investigations are continuing into the incidents reported in Roscommon Garda District.