Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans that have been made to provide an appropriate and adequate Garda station and an expanded Garda presence to police the increased population of Stepaside and Kiltiernan which is designated for further growth in population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13708/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are plans to undertake a development project at Stepaside Garda Station under the Garda Building Programme. Projects are progressed under the Garda Building Programme on the basis of agreed priorities. This is achieved by consensus and with the cooperation and commitment of the Garda authorities and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works for Garda properties are funded and in consultation with the Garda Representative Associations. As with all such projects within the Garda Building Programme, Stepaside will be progressed as quickly as overall priorities and resources allow.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that 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.

I am 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.