I will answer Questions Nos. 448 and 449 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Tallaght garda district as at 20 February 2004 was 232. This compares to a figure of 196 as at 31 December 1997 and represents an increase of 36 — or 18.3% — since that date. Tallaght Garda district is comprised of Rathfarnham and Tallaght Garda stations.
I am further informed that the personnel strength — all ranks — of Tallaght Garda station as at 20 February 2004 was 162. This compares to a figure of 133 as at 31 December 1997 and represents an increase of 29 or 21.8% since that date.
The personnel strength of Limerick division as at 20 February 2004 was 466, all ranks.
Garda personnel allocated to Limerick division police the entire county of Limerick. Tallaght is just one of a number of Garda stations which make up the Dublin metropolitan region south division, which, as at 20 February 2004, has a personnel strength of 530 — all ranks .
Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Tallaght area with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
The situation will be kept under review and when additional resources next becomes available, the needs of Tallaght Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.