Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

1240 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the 10% increase in Garda strength in the Carlow-Kildare division since 31 December 1997 compares very favourably with the other operational divisions throughout the country when he considers that serious crime is up 38% in Carlow-Kildare since 1998, the detection rate in Carlow-Kildare, at 29%, is the lowest in the country, that between 1996 and 2002 the population of Carlow-Kildare division increased by 19% and that County Clare has 446 citizens per garda while Carlow-Kildare has 590 citizens per garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21295/03]

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

The Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that the personnel strength of Carlow-Kildare division on 29 September 2003 was 327 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 35, or 8.9%, on the personnel allocated to the Carlow-Kildare division since 31 December 1997. Over the same period, the overall strength of the force increased by 961, or 8.7%. The personnel strength of the Clare division on 29 September 2003 was 248, all ranks. This represents an increase of 29 (or 13.2%) in the personnel allocated to the Clare division since 31 December 1997 and includes additional 26 personnel, all ranks, allocated to police Shannon Airport.

It should be noted that Garda divisional boundaries do not correlate to county boundaries. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.