Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 696: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí attached to a station in a town (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1898/09]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 697: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of a garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will break this down by rank and occupation within the gardaí; the percentage increase in Garda strength since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 696 and 697 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Naas Garda Station on 31 December 1997 and 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder. The Deputy should note that the breakdown by rank and the number of community Gardai in Naas on 31st December 1997 are not readily available.

There has been a 55% increase in the strength of Naas Garda station in the period in question.

As with any large organisation, on any given day, the strength of Naas Garda Station may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account and all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.