I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 224, 225 and 234 together.
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources and personnel to different areas. They have expressed concerned, and I share that concern, about supplying the kind of detailed information relating to Garda personnel sought by the Deputies, on the grounds of security and in the interests of crime prevention generally.
However, I can say that of the 327 gardaí (all ranks) currently assigned from non-Border Divisions to Border duty arising from the BSE situation, 165 are from the Dublin Metropolitan Area. No members attached to specialist Garda units are among those transferred from Dublin.
A careful assessment of the operational implications was made by the Garda authorities before deciding on the numbers to be assigned from DMA and non-DMA divisions. The Garda authorities will, of course, be making such arrangements as are necessary to minimise the effects of reductions in strength in particular areas as the need arises.