Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the immediate proposals, if any, he has to substantially improve Garda numbers in the south eastern region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15529/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to different areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the south eastern Garda region comprises the Garda divisions of Waterford-Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford, under the command of an Assistant Garda Commissioner.

The recent Garda staffing strengths in each of the three divisions in question is as outlined in the following table:

Garda Division	No. of gardaí (all ranks) 31/12/96	No. of gardaí (all ranks) 31/12/97	No. of gardaí (all ranks) 31/5/98
Waterford/Kilkenny	297	307	316
Tipperary	293	297	310
Wexford	277	269	288

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the south eastern region will receive a net increase in strength of nine gardaí early next month. These statistics clearly reflect a considerable increase in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the south eastern region in recent years.

The Garda authorities have also assured me that the staffing situation will continue to be monitored and reviewed. They have also informed me that, each time additional personnel become available for allocation, the needs of the south eastern Garda region will be fully considered in conjunction with the needs of other regions throughout the country.