Vol. 551 No. 4
196 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request from the Garda Commissioner for additional funds in order that more gardaí can be allocated to the Clare division; and the reason some of the 1200 additional gardaí were not dedicated to County Clare since there are many new tasks relating to refugees, juvenile crime and drugs to be undertaken. [10749/02]
I am advised by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas that the current personnel strength of the Clare division as at 26 March 2002, is 234 – all ranks. This compares to a figure of 215 on 1 January 1997, and represents an increase of 9% in the personnel allocated to Clare division since that date. An additional probationer garda is also due to be allocated to the division on 5 April 2002. I am also advised that Garda resources assigned to the Clare division, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strat egy, is continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Clare division with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. When additional personnel next become available the needs of the Clare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
