Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in conjunction with the Garda Síochána, his attention has been drawn to plans to increase the number of gardaí in a town (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Lahinch Garda Station on 31 March, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 2. Lahinch Garda Station forms part of the Ennistymon Garda District and the personnel strength of Ennistymon Garda District as of the same date was 33. 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.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Lahinch Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date, with regard to the proposed restructuring of the Wexford-Wicklow Garda division, from which the restructuring will be effective; the impact it will have on Garda numbers; the numbers of gardaí within the division; if this number will increase under the new structure; if so, the amount it will increase by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the separation of the existing Wexford/Wicklow Division into two new Garda Divisions of Wexford and Wicklow.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is currently being developed to implement these planned changes and includes plans for the distribution of personnel resources to the new Divisions. As of 31 March 2008, the personnel strength of the Wicklow/Wexford Division was 369. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account and the needs of the Wexford and Wicklow Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of all Garda Divisions throughout the country.