Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the garda manpower in each division following the reorganisation of the Garda divisions in 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40301/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 30 September 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of each Garda Division is set out in the table which I am circulating with this answer.

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, which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, contained the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with the functional boundaries of local authorities. The boundary changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.

A Programme Board was established by the Garda Síochána and chaired by an Assistant Commissioner to oversee the implementation. In addition, Project Boards chaired by the local Divisional officer, were established in each Division to develop tailored implementation plans. The relevant Project Boards, on which the staff associations are represented, are managing all tasks associated with each individual rollout.

Significant progress has been made to date commencing with the creation of new Divisions e.g. Louth, Wicklow and Roscommon/Longford and the rollout of re-aligned divisional boundaries across all the regions.