I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 to 436, inclusive, and 438 to 455, inclusive, together.
With regard to the information sought by the Deputy in the above questions, I should advise as follows: As population statistics do not correlate to Garda district boundaries, the information sought by the Deputy in respect of the number of gardaí stationed per head of population cannot be provided.
Statistical information on Garda personnel strength has only been held by the Garda Síochána on a computerised basis since January 1997. In respect of the figures sought by the Deputy for 1996 and 2005, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the retrieval and compilation of the relevant information from 1996 would necessitate a disproportionate use of time and resources.
Statistics on Garda numbers are compiled on an end of month basis. The following statistics, which refer to 31 January 1997, are thus the earliest figures available for comparative purposes. For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel on duty in any particular area over a given period of time.
However, I am thus informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda stations hereunder as at the 31 January 1997 and 17 March 2005, together with the corresponding percentage increases and-or decreases, was as follows:
Station
|
1997
|
2005
|
Increase/ Decrease
|
Percentage (%) Change
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Ballyfermot
|
75
|
73
|
-2
|
-2.7%
|
Clondalkin
|
61
|
81
|
+20
|
+32.8
|
Ronanstown
|
57
|
80
|
+23
|
+40.4
|
Lucan
|
52
|
70
|
+18
|
+34.6
|
Rathcoole
|
12
|
26
|
+14
|
+116.7
|
All of the above Garda stations form part of the Dublin metropolitan region west division. The Dublin metropolitan region west division was created from parts of the Dublin metropolitan region north and south divisions in the latter half of 1997. The personnel strength, all ranks, of the Dublin metropolitan region west division as at the 31 December 1997 and 17 March 2005 was as follows:
Divisional Strength
|
1997
|
2005
|
Increase/ Decrease
|
Percentage (%) Change
|
DMR West
|
502
|
668
|
166
|
+33.1%
|
In regard to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very 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 agreed programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, 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 Dublin metropolitan region west division will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, of course, 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 very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is 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.