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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 8

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

118 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the proportion of the gardaí included in the Dublin metropolitan regions in a total figure of 4,032 which she recently circulated who are involved in national responsibilities, namely, guarding the President or Ministers or other dignitaries; the total number involved in the national murder squad or drugs squad, or other national duties; the ratio of gardaí to population in the Dublin metropolitan region having deducted the number of gardaí involved in national responsibilities; the comparative figure in other regions; the total percentage of crime committed in the Dublin metropolitan region; the ratio of gardaí to crime in Dublin compared to other regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3951/96]

The deployment of Garda personnel is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.

I am satisfied that it would be inappropriate for security reasons to give details of members serving in protection or other security posts. As regards other special units based in Dublin I believe that it would be wholly artificial to attempt to divide their strength as between Dublin and other areas. The numbers engaged in particular duties could vary from day to day and it is quite likely, anyway, that the preponderance of their work would be in the Dublin area.

The following information gives the essentials of what the Deputy is seeking.

Dublin Metropolitan Area

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

1 Million

4,032

1:260

(Approx)

Northern Region

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

311,511

1,102

1:282

Western Region

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

432,491

1,006

1:391

Southern Region

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

701,216

1,665

1:421

South Eastern Region

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

440,533

869

1:506

Eastern Region

Population

Garda Strength

Ratio of Gardaí to Population

597,894

1,285

1:465

Dividing the number of indictable crimes (1994) committed in each region by the Garda strength of that region gives the following figures:

Region

Crimes per Garda

Dublin

13.9

Northern

3.04

Western

5.2

Southern

10.3

South Eastern

4.5

Eastern

8.7

I should add that the size of the physical area to be policed must also be taken into account by the Garda authorities in deciding the levels of policing.
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