David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to conduct a regular detailed analysis of the Garda to population ratios to ensure every region of the country has appropriate policing as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government; the time scale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to assign members of the Force throughout the country. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including of course population but also including other factors such as crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities.

The attested strength of An Garda Síochána as at the 31 January 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 13,732. In addition 1,310 student Gardaí were at various stages of their training on that date making a total of 15,042. The attested personnel strength of the Garda Reserve as at 31 January 2008 was 206 with a further 71 in training.

It is anticipated that approximately 1,100 Student Gardaí will be attested to the Force during 2008.

The significant increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána has meant that, despite the increase in population, the ratio of Garda to population has increased significantly.