Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the respective number of Gardaí in total in Limerick and Tallaght; the number of community Gardaí functioning in both areas; the number of Garda stations in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8979/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As of 31 January 2008 the personnel strength of Limerick Garda Division and Tallaght Garda Station was 592 and 180 respectively. The number of Community Gardaí assigned to the Limerick Garda Division and Tallaght Garda Station on 31 December, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 66 and 24, respectively.

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. All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.

There is one Garda Station in Tallaght and there are 34 Garda Stations in the Limerick Garda Division which covers both the urban and rural areas.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including population, crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations and Divisions referred to will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.