Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of posts occupied by Gardaí in 2001 that are now occupied by civilians; his plans to fill further such posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí that have been reassigned from clerical, administrative or other non-core duties to front-line policing since 2001. [13769/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed at Ballymun, Finglas, Santry and Whitehall Garda Station respectively; and the number of Community Gardaí stationed in each of these stations. [13812/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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. 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.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ballymun, Finglas, Santry and Whitehall Garda Stations on 31 December, 1997 and on 4 April, 2007 and also the number of Community Gardaí on 4 April, 2007 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community policing units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a quality policing service. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.

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.