Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
332. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given in co-operation with the local Garda section to Duleek Garda station in County Meath opening for longer hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14024/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure that gardaí are out patrolling the streets in an area (details supplied) in County Meath as often as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14043/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Meath Garda Division on 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 278 of which four Garda are assigned to Duleek Garda Station. There are also 38 Garda Reserves and 26 Civilians attached to the Division. Resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
The opening hours of Duleek Garda Station are subject to manpower availability. However, there is a public access call box (PACB) for the Duleek Garda station with calls diverted to Ashbourne Garda Station which is a 24 hour Garda station.
The first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. As part of Budget 2015, a further intake of 200 recruits in two batches was announced and have commenced their training. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The September intake will attest as members of the Garda Síochána on 23 April 2015 and the December intake will attest in August 2015. In addition, I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the recruitment of a further 250 trainee Gardaí in 2015. This will bring the total number of recruits since September 2014 to 550. On attestation they will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner and the needs of Meath Garda Division will be fully considered.
