Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí by rank that were available for policing duties in the following districts in County Limerick in the years 2002 and 2012; Askeaton, Bruff, and Newcastle West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39855/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda District in the Limerick Division on 31 December 2002 and on 31 July 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the following tables. The breakdown by rank for 2002 is not readily available.

The Division is also supported by 47 Garda Reserves and 51 civilians. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units such as the Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.