Vol. 546 No. 3
339 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 414 of 20 November 2001, he proposes to ensure more gardaí are relieved from clerical duties and available for duties including law and order enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/01]
In addition to the Garda recruitment measures outlined in my reply of 20 November 2001, the Government, on 16 October 2001, approved the civilianisation of 496 posts currently occupied by Garda personnel. These posts are in administrative and technical areas of the Garda organisation and are located at Garda Headquarters, the Garda College and in districts and divisions throughout the country.
The civilianisation of these posts will allow for the release of Garda personnel to operational policing, in particular, to tackle and prevent crime thus enhancing public safety. The release of these members will not affect the Government's policy of increasing the strength of the force to 12,000.
A joint Department and Garda team has been established to oversee the recruitment of civilians and the implementation of the Government decision. Approximately 150 of the posts will be civilianised over the next three years with the remaining posts civilianised over a longer period.
