Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

John Bruton

Ceist:

326 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are any provisions to increase the allocation of gardaí in the Louth-Meath division; his views on whether the increase in population in this area should be responded to with an increase in garda numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28266/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Deputy will be aware that while I, as Minister, am responsible for providing additional Garda personnel, their detailed allocation to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities. I am informed, in this regard, that the Garda personnel strength, all ranks, of the Louth-Meath division as at 1 January for the last three years and at 1 November 2000 was as follows:

Year	Strength
1/1/1998	498
1/1/1999	537
1/1/2000	543
1/11/2000	539

These figures show an increase of more than 8% between 1 January 1998 and 1 November 2000. In relation to the increase in population in the Louth-Meath area, I am informed that the most recent census figures available are for 1996 and that new figures will not be available until 2001.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and when additional Garda personnel next become available the needs of the Louth-Meath division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.