Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
204. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the number of gardaí has been reduced in an area (details supplied) in County Louth in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16246/15]
View answer205. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of gardaí stationed at a location (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16247/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Louth Garda Division as of 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 279 of which three Garda and one Garda Sergeant were assigned to Blackrock Garda Station. There were also 46 Garda Reserves and 22 civilians attached to the Louth Garda Division.
The Deputy will also be aware that the first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. As part of Budget 2015, a further intake of 200 recruits in two batches was announced. On 15 December 2014, the first 100 of these batches commenced their training. The remaining 100 entered the college in early February. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The September intake attested as members of the Garda Síochána last week and the December intake will attest in the summer. In addition, I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for two further intakes of 125 Garda recruits later this year.
