Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Mary Wallace

Question:

226 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí assigned in 1996 to each station in County Meath, excluding those involved in ministerial, diplomatic, or judicial protection; the comparative figure for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10090/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have expressed concern, and I share that concern, about supplying the kind of detailed information sought by the Deputy on the grounds of security and in the interests of crime prevention generally.

I am, however, providing the information on a district-division basis. I understand that district breakdowns are not available for periods prior to 1992. Information is being provided, therefore, on a divisional basis up to 1992 and on a district basis thereafter. Table A shows the strengths of Louth-Meath division on 31 December for the years 1985 to 1991. Table B shows the strength for each district in County Meath on 31 December for the years 1992 to 1995 and on 16 May 1996.

Incidentally, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they regard ministerial, diplomatic and judicial protection to be within the ambit of normal policing duties.

Table A

Louth-Meath Division

Garda Strengths 31 December 1985 — 31 December 1991

Year	Total
31 December 1985	489
31 December 1986	495
31 December 1987	504
31 December 1988	478
31 December 1989	473
31 December 1990	477
31 December 1991	476

Table B

Navan, Balbriggan, Kells and Trim Districts

Garda Strengths 31 December 1992 — 16 May 1996

Year	Navan	Balbriggan	Kells	Trim
31 December 1992	61	66	43	67
31 December 1993	60	65	42	69
31 December 1994	65	63	45	66
31 December 1995	64	72	44	73
16 May 1996	66	72	43	75