Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

John McGuinness

Question:

298 Mr. J. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reasons Garda numbers have decreased in County Kilkenny and Kilkenny City; if, in view of the need for an increase in the number of gardaí in these areas, he will fully consider the case and ensure that the numbers are increased in all of the major urban centres throughout the county. [14352/00]

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

The detailed allocation of personnel to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that County Kilkenny is policed by three Garda districts, that is, Kilkenny, Thomastown and Waterford. I am also informed that the personnel strength for the Waterford/Kilkenny division and Kilkenny Garda station for the last five years is as outlined as follows:

Date	Waterford/KilkennyDivision	KilkennyGarda Station
1/1/1996	300	48
1/1/1997	298	52
1/1/1998	307	53
1/1/1999	323	65
1/1/2000	329	56

(Kilkenny city is policed by gardaí from Kilkenny Garda station).

The Garda authorities have further informed me that the current Garda resources in County Kilkenny and Kilkenny city are being utilised to optimum effect and that when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Waterford/Kilkenny division, including Kilkenny Garda station, will be fully considered in conjunction with the needs of other Garda divisions throughout the country.