Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 850: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength in each station throughout County Kildare; the extent it is expected to increase such numbers in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27628/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division on 31 May, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder:

The Deputy should also note that the Baltinglass District was formerly part of the Carlow-Kildare Garda Division. It became part of the newly established Garda Division of Wicklow on 2 June 2008.

This was one of the first of the Divisional Boundary changes, as set-out in the 2008 Annual Policing Plan, to take effect. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The allocation of Garda personnel is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.

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