196 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to County Meath in 2010; if he will provide the comparative figures for the previous ten years; if the increase in numbers is reflects the increase in population in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37979/10]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the Meath Garda Division on 31 December 2000 to 2009 and also on the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the following table:

The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including the allocation of personnel to various Divisions, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in consultation with senior management. The deployment of Garda personnel throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.