Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005
166 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda personnel allocated to each Garda station in County Meath at 1 January 1997 and 1 January 2005; and the total number of gardaí in the county on each of these dates. [7387/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of Garda personnel allocated to each Garda station in County Meath at 31 January 1997 and 31 January 2005, and the total number of gardaí in the county on each of these dates, were as set out in the table.
|
Station |
1997 |
2005 |
|
Laytown |
6 |
8 |
|
Ashbourne |
22 |
40 |
|
Dunboyne |
14 |
12 |
|
Dunshaughlin |
11 |
10 |
|
Kells |
31 |
31 |
|
Athboy |
4 |
6 |
|
Oldcastle |
3 |
4 |
|
Nobber |
3 |
3 |
|
Trim |
24 |
26 |
|
Crossakeel |
2 |
0 |
|
Summerhill |
2 |
2 |
|
Enfield |
18 |
15 |
|
Ballivor |
2 |
3 |
|
Navan |
47 |
46 |
|
Duleek |
4 |
4 |
|
Slane |
3 |
4 |
|
Kilmessan |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
197 |
214 |
Historical statistical information relating to Garda personnel strength is maintained on an end of month basis. Accordingly, the personnel strength for a particular Garda station is readily available at the end of each month. This is the reason that figures for 31 January 1997 and 2005 are provided in response to this question.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased 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 the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Meath district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country. Clearly, 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 as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
167 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda personnel allocated to each Garda station in County Kildare at 1 January 1997 and 1 January 2005; and the total number of gardaí in the county on each of these dates. [7388/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of Garda personnel allocated to each Garda station in County Kildare at 31 January 1997 and 31 January 2005, and the total number of gardaí in the county on each of these dates, were as set out in the following table.
|
Garda Stations |
1997 |
2005 |
|
Naas |
69 |
77 |
|
Clane |
5 |
6 |
|
Kill |
3 |
3 |
|
Celbridge |
12 |
19 |
|
Maynooth |
9 |
16 |
|
Kildare |
28 |
27 |
|
Newbridge |
26 |
29 |
|
Robertstown |
2 |
3 |
|
Kilcullen |
3 |
3 |
|
Carbury |
2 |
2 |
|
Monasterevin |
3 |
3 |
|
Rathangan |
2 |
3 |
|
Athy |
17 |
16 |
|
Castledermot |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballytore |
4 |
1 |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
1 |
1 |
|
Leixlip |
11 |
27 |
|
Kilcock |
6 |
5 |
|
Total |
205 |
243 |
Historical statistical information on Garda personnel strength is maintained on an end of month basis. Accordingly, the personnel strength for a particular Garda station is readily available at the end of each month. This is the reason that figures for 31 January 1997 and 2005 are provided in response to this question.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased 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 the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Kildare district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country. Clearly, 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 as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
