Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, rank, duties and location of Gardaí located at each Garda station in County Louth for the years 2002 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/07]

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 the Louth/Meath Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 20 April, 2007 was 532 and 564 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 32 (or 6%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

The Garda authorities state that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda Station in the Louth/Meath Division on 31 December, 2002 and on 20 April, 2007 was as set out in the following tables.

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.

The Garda authorities also state that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) currently assigned to administrative duties in the Louth/Meath division is 11. This number was calculated on the basis of those personnel who are in receipt of Designated post and Ex-Gratia allowance and as such are employed on administrative duties. The total personnel strength (all ranks) of the Traffic Corps in the Louth/Meath Division 31 December, 2002 and on 31 March, 2007 was 23 and 46. This represents an increase of 23 (or 100%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. I should add that Garda Divisional boundaries do not correlate with the County boundaries.

The information requested in relation to the number of Gardaí employed on administrative duties in each station in 2002 is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.