Vol. 566 No. 3
172 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the majority of Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan area have experienced a reduction in the number of personnel during the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12813/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that, in the 12 months from 31 March 2002 to 31 March 2003, the great majority, 26 of the 45 operational Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, have experienced an increase in personnel numbers. Three stations have remained static and 16 had a reduction in the number of personnel. Additional gardaí will be allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region during the forthcoming allocation of probationer gardaí in June 2003.
National units greatly augment the operational requirements of the Dublin metropolitan region on a day to day basis and perform a very considerable amount of their duties within the region. I am further informed by Garda authorities that the number of gardaí attached to national support services has increased from 313 on 31 December 1997 to 548 on 31 March 2003.
Garda resources in the region have, accordingly, increased. The allocation and distribution of uniformed Garda resources within the region is a matter for the commissioner and the assistant commissioner for the region.
