Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the significant increase in population in Kinnegad, County Westmeath over the past five years, and the continuing increase in the said area, he will consider allocating increased Garda resources to the Kinnegad area and in particular to ensure the provision of more Gardaí on the beat in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8933/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Kinnegad Garda Station on 31 January, 2008 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 7. Kinnegad Garda Station forms part of the Mullingar Garda District. The personnel strength of Mullingar Garda District on 31 January, 2008 was 121.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. 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 Kinnegad Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.