Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has considered making provisions for the ring-fencing of Garda numbers engaged in duties other than those of the Traffic Corps, for example drugs unit officers. [9005/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The attested strength of An Garda Síochána as at 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.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to assign members of the Force throughout the country and to national units. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including population, crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities. In that regard, specific operational needs will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing needs throughout the country.