Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that efforts will be made to increase the Garda strength at Tallaght Garda Station, sited in the third largest population centre here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22470/07]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide additional resources to Tallaght Garda Station to allow personnel to be assigned to deal specifically with issues relating to antisocial behaviour in an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 24 which were identified to the Garda authorities at a recent meeting involving community representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22471/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.

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 as at the 31 August, 2007 was 13,288.

The personnel strength (all ranks) of Tallaght Garda Station as at the 31 August 2007 was 172.

Divisional and National Units are also utilised in the Tallaght District to combat criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. I have been informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the present resources are sufficient to meet the policing needs of the area.

I have further been informed by the Garda authorities that local management is aware of the issue raised by the Deputy and of the concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social behaviour. Members of the local Community Policing Unit regularly visit this area and are now in the process of addressing this issue. Local Garda management will continue to monitor the situation.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Tallaght Garda Station will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.