Vol. 512 No. 6
332 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to improve the garda to civilian ratio in the Waterford and Kilkenny division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26654/99]
The detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the personnel strength in the Waterford-Kilkenny division is 329 – all ranks – the population is 160,410 – 1996 census – this gives a population-garda ratio of 488:1.
The Garda authorities have informed me that population is only one indicator of the policing needs of an area. Other variables, including geographical area, road traffic statistics and social deprivation indicators, are also taken on board when allocating human resources to an area. It is this mix of indicators together with the special policing needs of an area which influence the policing allocation.
The Garda authorities have further informed me that the strength of the Waterford-Kilkenny division is reviewed regularly in conjunction with the indicators and statistics outlined above and the statistics and indicators relating to other Garda divisions.
Garda management is, at present, satisfied with the staffing allocation to Waterford-Kilkenny division given the current resources available.
