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Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (252, 253)

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

314 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí of all ranks stationed at Clonmel Garda station on 1 January 1997 and on 1 January 2004. [27956/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Garda statistics regarding the personnel level in every Garda station within each Garda division refer back to 31 January 1997. Accordingly, I am informed that the personnel strength of Clonmel Garda station as at 31 January 1997 was 40, all ranks. The personnel strength of Clonmel Garda station as at 1 January 2004 was 40, all ranks.

In regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

315 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at stations (details supplied) on 1 January 2004. [27957/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Clonmel, Thurles, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tralee Garda stations as at 1 January 2004 is as set out as follows:

Station

Number

Clonmel

40

Thurles

59

Kilkenny

66

Wexford

71

Tralee

83

In regard to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.

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