Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2007

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Ceisteanna (154)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

154 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if having regard to the increasing membership of An Garda Síochána, additional personnel will be deployed to the growing towns and villages in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As of 31 August, the latest date for which Garda numbers are readily available, the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division was 393. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account.

The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.