Vol. 551 No. 2
439 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the number of Garda Síochána personnel in the Mayo division is now less than it was in 1986; if extra Garda Síochána resources are to be allocated or have been allocated in increasing the Garda Síochána force to 12,000 to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/02]
440 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for extra Garda Síochána personnel to be appointed to the Mayo division; when such a request was received; his views on the need for extra Garda Síochána personnel in the Mayo division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10299/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the manpower strength of the Mayo division was 263 on 31 March 1986. The manpower strength of the division on 25 March 2002 is 260, with two additional members to be allocated early next month. This will take the divisional manpower strength to 262. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of the division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
