Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

497 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the Buncrana district who are currently on more than three months, six months, one year and two years' leave of absence; the number of the 77 persons stationed there who are actually available for duty in the district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7093/03]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no Garda personnel attached to Buncrana District on leave of absence. Two members are currently on sick leave for more than six months and less than one year and an additional two members are currently on sick leave for more than one year.

I am further informed that the remainder of the personnel attached to Buncrana District are available for duty.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

498 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a situation whereby the population of a region (details supplied) has, according to the most recent Census figures, increased substantially but its garda numbers have reduced by around 10%, that is, from 85 to 77 over the past ten years. [7094/03]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources, that the personnel strength of Buncrana District, all ranks, as at 6 March 2003 was 77. The personnel strength of Buncrana District on 24 February 1993 was 85, all ranks.

I am further informed that manpower levels in the Buncrana District in 1993 were maintained at a higher level for the purpose of policing the border with Northern Ireland, at a time when there was increased Border activity.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

499 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who were in the Cavan, Louth, Leitrim, Sligo and Monaghan Districts in 1993; the current strength of the force at each of these locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7095/03]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of Cavan, Sligo and Monaghan Districts as at 31 December, 1993 and 7 March, 2003 is as set out as follows:

District	31/12/93	07/03/03
Cavan	62	69
Sligo	118	131
Monaghan	167	139

While county and district boundaries do not correlate, the county of Louth is primarily policed by the districts of Drogheda and Dundalk and the county of Leitrim is primarily policed by Manorhamilton and Carrick-on-Shannon Districts.

The personnel strength, all ranks, of these Districts as at 31 December, 1993 and 7 March, 2003 is as set out as follows:

District	31/12/93	07/03/03
Drogheda	81	106
Dundalk	162	144
Manorhamilton	79	55
Carrick-on-Shannon	42	45