Vol. 517 No. 6
374 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact the Carlow-Kildare Garda Division has the worst civilian-garda ratio of 1 to 558 of the 25 Garda divisions, he will improve that ratio having regard to the dramatic rise in the population of Kildare since the 1996 census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/00]
The Deputy is aware that I have increased Garda numbers in the past three years by 600 members and am on course to meet the Government target of a Garda strength of 12,000 by the year 2002.
While I, as Minister, am responsible for providing additional Garda personnel, their detailed allocation to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities.
I am informed, in this regard, that the allocation of Garda personnel and resources to an individual area is carried out with due regard for a number of factors in the various Garda districts throughout the country. The following factors have particular relevance in assisting with the efficient and equitable allocation of Garda personnel resources:
population – geographical area – crimes reported per annum – number of road traffic accidents involving personal injury – number of stolen cars received and depreciation indicators.
While the above factors have particular relevance in assisting with the efficient and equitable allocation of personnel, different Garda districts have differing attendant sources of the above variables and it is the overall balance of these, and not individual indicators taken in isolation, which prescribe the recommended allocation of available resources.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the allocation of personnel to areas is constantly under review and that when personnel next become available the needs of County Kildare will be fully considered in the overall context of other Garda divisions-districts throughout the country.
