Vol. 569 No. 4
250 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently assigned to Rush Garda Station; the number assigned in June 1993; and his proposals to increase the numbers in view of the legitimate demands of the people of the area. [17882/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the day to day allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks of Rush Garda Station on 20 June 2003 was four. The personnel strength, all ranks of that station on 30 June 1993 was five. Resources for Rush are augmented from within the district-division as required. The area is also patrolled by the district detective unit and the divisional traffic unit.
Rush is in the Balbriggan Garda District of the Louth-Meath Division. The personnel strength, all ranks of the Louth-Meath division on 20 June 2003 was 520. This compares with a personnel strength, all ranks of 482 on 30 June 1993, which represents an increase of 38.
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within a division as she or he sees fit. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Rush area with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Rush Garda Station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
