Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

106 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 Waterford and Kilkenny division in view of the fact that the division has the fourth highest civilian to Garda ratio and has the largest increase of reported crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15414/98]

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

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the current personnel strength for the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda division and for the past two years is as follows:—

Date	Strength (all ranks)
31-12-1996	297
31-12-1997	307
31-05-1998	316

The above figures clearly indicate that the personnel strength for the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda division has increased substantially in recent years. In fact 19 additional members have been allocated to the division since the end of 1996 representing an increase of 6.39 per cent to the divisional strength in the last 18 months alone. I also understand from the Garda authorities that it is intended to allocate five additional gardaí to the division next month.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the situation pertaining to crime in the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda division between 1994 and 1997 is as outlined in the following table:—

Date	Recorder Crimes	Detected Crimes	Detection rate
31-12-1994	2,733	1,329	49%
31-12-1995	2,693	1,286	48%
31-12-1996	2,774	1,354	49%
31-12-1997*	3,123	1,778	57%

* Figures are provisional

The Garda authorities report that while there has been a rise in reported crime in recent times the crime detection rate has risen substantially. The current detection rate of 57 per cent is 14 per cent above the national average and is currently the highest detection rate of any Garda division in the country.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the best possible Garda service is being provided in the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda division with the current deployment of resources. However, they have assured me that the personnel situation will continue to be monitored and reviewed. They have further informed me that each time additional personnel become available for allocation the needs of the Waterford-Kilkenny division will be fully considered in conjunction with the needs of other Garda divisions throughout the country.