Vol. 513 No. 1
681 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allocate additional gardaí to serve the Dunboyne, Ratoath, Ashbourne and Dunshaughlin areas in view of the fact that the population in these areas has increased dramatically over the past five years and current Garda manpower is stretched to the limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1824/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas that the total personnel strength of the Garda district at Ashbourne, which includes the areas of Dunboyne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin, is 72 gardaí, all ranks.
I am also informed that the Garda authorities have made provision within the resources available to take account of recent increases in the population and are satisfied with the strength of the district.
I am further informed that the staffing situation in the Ashbourne district will continue to be monitored as additional personnel become available for allocation.
