Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2006
172 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average percentage of gardaí that are on duty at any particular time in respect of each station in south Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 has resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.
Garda management state that for security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Gardaí on duty in any given area over any specific period of time. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the DMR South Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 471 and the comparable strength for that Division today, 15 November, 2006, is 575. This represents an increase of 104 (or 22%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to DMR South Division during that period.
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.
