Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals for a full-time Garda station in Dunshaughlin, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/07]

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 Dunshaughlin Garda Station on 28 March, 2007 was 9 (all ranks). Dunshaughlin Garda Station forms part of the Ashbourne Garda District. The personnel strength of the Ashbourne Garda District on 31 December, 1997 and on 28 March, 2007 was 56 and 80 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 24 (or 42%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), other specialised units and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), all of which have had increased resources.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that Dunshaughlin Garda Station is open to the public from 10 am to 1 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 midday to 1 pm on Sunday. Garda Management state that the Dunshaughlin area is patrolled on a 24 hours basis by members attached to Dunshaughlin Garda Station, Dunboyne Garda Station and the District Headquarters at Ashbourne.

Garda Management also state that there is currently no plan to open Dunshaughlin Garda Station on a 24 hour basis as this would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

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.