John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 864: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the ratio of gardaí per head of population in each Garda district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11685/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda District on 29 February, 2008 the latest date for which figures are readily available was as set out in the following table:

As of this date Small Area Population Statistics, based on the 2006 Census, of Garda Districts are being developed by staff of the Central Statistics Office in consultation with An Garda Síochána. No publication date is available at this time.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 865: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase Garda strength at the various Garda stations throughout County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11686/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 29 February 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 315. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

The 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.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. 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.