Vol. 558 No. 6
162 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda Commissioner to allocate more Garda resources to the area of Milltown-Ballynacargy-Moyvore area of Mullingar, County Westmeath in view of the significant increase in robberies in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25290/02]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the current personnel strength of the Longford/Westmeath division is 242 all ranks. This represents an increase of ten since 31 December 1997 I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the current personnel strength is adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.
Garda personnel and overall policing arrangements for the Longford/Westmeath division are constantly monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of available Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.
The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of the Longford/Westmeath division will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
