asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, he has to improve the Garda cover available in (a) urban and (b) rural areas; if he will ensure that the Garda have sufficient strength to combat crime and that modern technology be utilised to the full in such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
60.
As Deputies will be aware, I have recently announced a comprehensive package of measures designed to fight crime, including measures to increase the numbers of gardaí available for operational duties and provide a more visible Garda presence in all areas. The major elements in this package so far as the Garda Síochána are concerned are: 250 civilian clerical staff are to be appointed to release gardaí from office work to perform outdoor police duties; 250 gardaí in the ranks of garda, sergeant and inspector, who would be due to retire over the next two years on reaching age 57, are to be enabled to serve until age 60; and the rate of recruitment of 1,000 trainee gardaí is being accelerated. Three hundred and forty-eight trainees will be taken on during 1990, which is 50 more than originally planned.
I have also made an additional £500,000 available for overtime work in Dublin to increase the number of gardaí on the streets during the busy Christmas shopping period. I am satisfied that these measures will make an important contribution to strengthening Garda resources in the fight against crime in all areas of the State, urban and rural.
Modern technology is being fully utilised by the Garda Síochána. The Garda communications network has been operating very successfully for some time in the 18 Garda divisions outside the Dublin Metropolitan Area and the system designed specifically for the DMA came into operation earlier this year. The Garda Síochána also have computerised information systems which are of valuable assistance to the Force in the discharge of their duties.