Garda Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004

Wednesday, 15 December 2004

Ceisteanna (188, 189, 190, 191, 192)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

202 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

204 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33770/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

205 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33771/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

206 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has given (details supplied) for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 206, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Wexford-Wicklow Garda division as on 14 December 2004 was 305, all ranks. The personnel strength of the stations within this division referred to by the Deputy as on the same date was:

Station	Strength (all ranks)
New Ross	32
Wexford	69
Gorey	39
Enniscorthy	32

As a result of the additional €4 million funding, providing an additional 140,000 hours in overtime for the Garda Síochána for high visibility policing in the eight weeks up to 31 December 2004 a number of initiatives have been implemented within the Wexford-Wicklow division involving the Garda districts of Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey to provide additional crime, public order and traffic patrols during the Christmas period. These initiatives involve the deployment of district and divisional resources and inter-district operations.

I am advised that local Garda management is satisfied that to date these initiatives have proved effective.