Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has assessed the number of gardaí available to new and developing communities; if following this assessment he has plans to redeploy gardaí to these same communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27572/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The total personnel strength of An Garda Síochána as at the 30 November 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 13,780. The total number of Gardaí including trainees as at the same date was 14,823. The accelerated annual intake of approximately 1,100 students will continue to ensure the Government targets in this area are being met.

The detailed allocation of Garda resources including personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide on. The Small Area Population Statistics, published by the Central Statistics Office and based on the 2006 Census, are currently being analysed by An Garda Síochána. However, the allocation of additional personnel will be determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends, other operational policing needs and priorities. The allocation of Garda resources is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis and the policing needs of new and developing areas will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner in the context of overall policing requirements.