Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

498 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current number of gardaí in the Galway City area compared to three years ago; and his response to the demand (details supplied) for 24 extra gardaí for Galway. [11379/01]

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 Garda resources, that Galway City is policed by gardaí from Galway and Salthill districts. The personnel strength – all ranks – of these districts, as at 1 January 1998, and currently is as follows:

Districts	01/01/1998	25/04/2001
Galway/Salthill	216	242

These figures show an increase in the personnel strength of the Districts of 26, or 12%.

I am further informed that the situation will be kept under review and, when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Galway City will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.