Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

923 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the Garda numbers in the Waterford-Kilkenny division are adequate; the proposals he has to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20188/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas that the personnel strength, all ranks, for Waterford-Kilkenny division since 1 January 1997 to date is as follows:

Date	Garda Personnel Strength
01/01/1997	298
01/01/1998	307
01/01/1999	323
01/01/2000	329
29/09/2000	332

The above figures show an increase of 11.4% in Garda personnel strength in the WaterfordKilkenny Division in the period 1 January 1997 to 29 September 2000.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the personnel strength in the Waterford-Kilkenny division is adequate to meet the present policing requirements of the area.

I am further informed that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Waterford-Kilkenny division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of each Garda division in the country.