I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.
As of 31 August 2007, the latest date for which Garda numbers are readily available, the personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division was 393. The personnel strength in the Division as on 31 August 2006 was 358. This represents an increase of 35 Gardaí in the twelve month period.
The following table shows the strength of Gardaí in the Carlow/Kildare Division broken down by Station as of 31 August 2007:
District
|
Station
|
Strength 31/08/07
|
Naas
|
Naas
|
99
|
|
Celbridge
|
23
|
|
Clane
|
7
|
|
Kill
|
2
|
|
Maynooth
|
13
|
Kildare
|
Kildare
|
29
|
|
Robertstown
|
4
|
|
Kilcullen
|
4
|
|
Monasterevin
|
5
|
|
Newbridge
|
33
|
|
Rathangan
|
4
|
|
Carbury
|
4
|
Carlow
|
Carlow
|
69
|
|
Leighlinbridge
|
1
|
|
Ballon
|
1
|
|
Myshall
|
1
|
|
Muinebheag
|
7
|
|
Athy
|
17
|
|
Castledermot
|
2
|
Baltinglass
|
Baltinglass
|
33
|
|
Blessington
|
15
|
|
Dunlavin
|
1
|
|
Hollywood
|
1
|
|
Donard
|
1
|
|
Shillelagh
|
1
|
|
Tinahely
|
2
|
|
Hacketstown
|
2
|
|
Rathvilly
|
1
|
|
Ballymore Eustace
|
1
|
|
Tullow
|
9
|
|
Ballytore
|
1
|
|
Total
|
393
|
The opening hours of Garda Stations is a matter for the Garda Commissioner but a general point which should be borne in mind is that an extension in the opening hours of any particular Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.
The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the strength of the organisation, or units within it, may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of these Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.