Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Seán Crowe

Question:

160 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there is such a difference between the number of gardaí deployed in Limerick and the number deployed in Tallaght when the size of both populations is very close. [24081/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda authorities. The process of allocating Garda personnel is aided by a model known as the Garda establishment redistribution model, GERM.

This takes account of a number of factors, one of which is population levels. However, there are a number of other criteria of equal importance which must also be taken into account. Obviously the crime rate would be pertinent.

The policing of Limerick city is a matter for the Limerick division which is also responsible for the policing of Limerick county and for the 30 Garda stations in its area. The divisional headquarters is based in Limerick city and the personnel strength of the entire division, as at 27 November 2002, is 457, all ranks.

The Dublin Metropolitan Region South division, which has a personnel strength of 518 all ranks as at 27 November 2002 is responsible for policing in the Crumlin, Terenure and Tallaght districts and for the six Garda stations in its area. The current divisional headquarters is in Crumlin. Tallaght is one of the stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South Division.

Seán Crowe

Question:

161 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the way in which the Garda authorities decide on the allocation and deployment of Garda officers; and the criteria which is used in this process. [24082/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the allocation and deployment of Garda personnel, that the Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource Management, in consultation with divisional officers, arranges for the allocation of Garda personnel throughout the State.

I am further informed that the process of allocating Garda personnel is aided by a model known as the Garda establishment redistribution model, GERM. The GERM is a scientific, rational and pragmatic model which indicates the most effective means of distributing Garda personnel.