Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

253 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to each district in the Laois-Offaly division; the number of gardaí employed in each district in the division; the number due to retire in the next two years; the reasons for vacancies in the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17935/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the day to day allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength – all ranks – in each district in the Laois-Offaly division as at the 23 June 2003 is as set out as follows.

District	Strength
Abbeyleix	39
Birr	45
Portlaoise	121
Tullamore	68
Total	273

All members in each district are employed within their district. Two compulsory retirements within the division are due in the two years commencing 23 June 2003.

I have been assured that Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Laois-Offaly division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Laois-Offaly division will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.