Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 538: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional gardaí recently allocated to the Finglas area of Dublin; the strength of the new drug unit recently sanctioned for the Finglas-Cabra area; and if additional community gardaí are being appointed to the Cabra District, Dublin 7. [32237/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The total personnel strength of Finglas Garda Station as at 31 October 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 88. In the most recent allocation of Probationer Gardaí, which took place on the 23 November 2007, 10 Probationer Gardaí were allocated to Finglas Garda Station.

The strength of the new Drug Unit which was recently sanctioned for the Finglas/Cabra area is one (1) Sergeant and five (5) Gardaí. Two (2) additional positions for Community Policing Gardaí have been sanctioned, and will be filled on completion of Operation Freeflow in January 2008.

Finglas and Cabra Garda Stations are part of the Blanchardstown District. The total personnel strength of the Blanchardstown District as of 31 October 2007 was 331.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of these areas will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions / Districts throughout the country.