Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Denis Naughten

Question:

372 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of gardaí in each of the Garda districts of Ballinasloe, Athlone and Roscommon; the number of gardaí in each district in 1997; his plans to appoint additional gardaí to each district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5348/02]

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 current personnel strength – all ranks – of Ballinasloe, Athlone and Roscommon districts, as at 31 December 1997 and 31 January 2002 is as follows:

District	1997	2002
Ballinasloe	50	51
Athlone	58	63
Roscommon	65	62

I have been further informed that the situation will be kept under review and, when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Ballinasloe, Athlone and Roscommon districts will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.