John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in County Sligo and north Leitrim which are without a full-time Garda presence; the stations where this is the case; the number of Garda stations in County Sligo and north Leitrim which have closed since 1997; the number which are due to be closed in the coming five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11295/07]

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 the Sligo-Leitrim Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 23 March, 2007 was 257 and 288 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 31 (12%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

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.

Garda Management also state that there have been no Garda Stations in the Sligo/North Leitrim area closed in the past 10 years and currently there are no proposals to close any Garda Station in that area.

In relation to your question as to the number of Garda Stations in County Sligo and North Leitrim which are without a full-time Garda presence and the stations where this is the case, I will forward this information to the Deputy when it becomes available to me.