Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of An Garda Síochána and the number of juvenile liaison officers and the percentage of the force this represents in respect of 2007 and each year since 2002; the reason there has been no increase in the number of JLOs despite the increase in the overall strength of the force; if he has plans to increase the number of JLOs in view of the proven success of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27380/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As of 30 September last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers was 93. The total strength of the force at the same date was 13,531. This represents 0.69% of the Force. Of course, while these officers are specifically dedicated to this service, a significant number of Gardaí are engaged in liaising with juveniles on a day-to-day basis.

The number of dedicated Juvenile Liaison Officers as of 31st December in each of the years 2002 to 2006, inclusive, was as follows:

The Commissioner has approved an additional 28 posts for Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLO) to be phased in over the next 4 years, commencing with the allocation of 7 JLOs planned for this year. In September of 2007, I announced the impending appointment of 6 new JLOs to serve the areas of Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Cork North, Waterford, Newbridge/Naas and Sligo/Leitrim. The recruitment process for these posts is underway and the selected applicants are expected to be announced shortly.

Garda personnel assignments throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed by Garda management. The purpose of this is to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.