Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he expects the number of gardaí stationed in County Kerry to drop in the coming years; if so, the numbers and the stations that will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Kerry Garda Division on 31 August 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 328. It is not known how many Gardaí stationed in the Kerry Division will retire in the coming years. The Deputy will be aware that Gardaí may retire once they have reached 50 years of age and have completed 30 years of service and that almost all Garda retirements are voluntary.

Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. In this context, it must be recognised that, under plans agreed by the last Government as part of their compliance with the terms of the EU/IMF agreement, Garda numbers are due to be reduced to 13,000. As part of this process, the Commissioner will of course have to examine every option for increased efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services.