Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 1211 of 30 January 2008, when next additional personnel will become available to An Garda Síochána; the number of additional Gardaí that will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4395/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. It is expected that approximately 270 members will be attested on that date. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account.

As I stated in my earlier reply this unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next additional gardaí will be made available to the Waterford-Kilkenny division of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Waterford/Kilkenny Division was 428. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.