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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

1207 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if special consideration continues to be given to the need for additional Garda manpower to be assigned to Tallaght Garda station in Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the population of Tallaght continues to increase with additional business activity which clearly creates the need for such manpower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20715/03]

The Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, have informed me that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 29 September 2003 was 159, all ranks. This represents an increase of 26, or 19.5%, in the personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since 31 December 1997. Resources are augmented from within the district or division as required. The area is also patrolled by the divisional task force, district drugs unit and the divisional traffic unit. The national bureau of criminal investigations assists in major inquiries as the need arises. In addition, the services of the Garda dog unit, the mounted unit and air support unit are utilised to police the Tallaght area.

The Government is prioritising Garda recruitment and training to bring the strength of the force up to its maximum authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible. To this end, a new Garda recruitment competition is under way. It is planned that 690 Garda trainees will be taken into the Garda college during 2003. The commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004. These extra gardaí will be assigned to the areas of greatest need. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Tallaght Garda station with a view to ensuring an efficient Garda service is maintained. When additional personnel next become available the needs of the Tallaght area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of the Garda stations throughout the country.

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