Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
317 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Clondalkin Garda station, Ronanstown Garda station and Lucan Garda station in September 2004; and if any of the gardaí attached to the above stations were assigned to other duties away from their stations. [26704/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Clondalkin Garda station, Ronanstown Garda station and Lucan Garda station as at the 30 September, 2004 was as set out as follows.
|
Station |
Number |
|
Clondalkin |
78 |
|
Ronanstown |
83 |
|
Lucan |
71 |
Gardaí can be deployed away from their stations when a need arises. A disproportionate amount of time and resources would be required to establish the exact number of gardaí in this category.
Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.
The situation will be kept under review by Garda management and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
