Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 29 March 2007, when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15284/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have since been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel resources, 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 over23%) 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.

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.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength and opening hours of each Garda Station in the Sligo/Leitrim Division and the Roscommon/Galway East Division on 31 December, 1997, 2002 and on 28 March, 2007 are set out in the following tables. I should also point out that Garda Divisional boundaries and County boundaries are not coterminous. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of these Divisions will be fully considered within the overall context of Garda Divisions throughout the country.