Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí allocated to Tallaght Garda Station; the number of the allocation who are deployed as community Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11274/07]

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, 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 been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and 23 March, 2007 was 133 and 177 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 44 (or33%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Community Policing Unit at Tallaght Garda Station on 23 March, 2007 was 21.

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.