Garda Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 January 2010

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Ceisteanna (277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

363 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda personnel will be replaced in Ballycastle, County Mayo. [3081/10]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

374 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí located in Lifford Garda Station, County Donegal; and if there are plans to increase same. [3202/10]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

389 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3531/10]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

390 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/10]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

391 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3533/10]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

392 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when one sergeant and three gardaí will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3534/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 374 and 389 to 392, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Lifford, Knock, Ballindine, Hollymount and Ballycastle Garda Stations, their Districts and Divisions on 31 December 2009 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station	Strength	District	Strength	Division	Strength
Lifford	13	Letterkenny	181	Donegal	468
Knock	0	Claremorris	38	Mayo	309
Ballindine	0	Claremorris	38	Mayo	309
Hollymount	1	Claremorris	38	Mayo	309
Ballycastle	0	Claremorris	38	Mayo	309

The allocation of resources in An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of personnel, is a matter for the Commissioner and senior Garda Management and it is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within each Division. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Mayo and Donegal Garda Divisions with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.

The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.