Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Resources.

Ivor Callely

Question:

21 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify her commitment to provide the Garda Síochána with all necessary resources to deal effectively with the crime situation, especially with regard to serious, organised and violent crime; the measures, if any, she is considering; the submissions or requests, if any, she has received; the time scale envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2796/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I welcome this opportunity to set out in detail the resources being made available this year to the Garda to deal with the crime situation. I am satisfied that this package of measures will enable the Garda to effectively meet the many challenges that they face, especially with regard to violent and serious crime.

A total of £413 million is being provided for the Garda Síochána this year — the highest amount ever. The allocation of an amount of this magnitude will be of assistance to the Garda in the fight against crime by enabling the following measures to be taken: the recruitment of 1,050 gardaí during the next three years; recruitment of an additional 200 civilian clerical/ administrative staff to release an equivalent number of gardaí for operational duties; recruitment of civilian for certain specialist/managerial posts in the Force; replacement of the Garda Fleet on a five year basis; implementation of an information technology plan for the Garda Síochána; upgrading of the Garda communications network; installation of closed circuit television cameras to combat crime in certain areas; further development of community based measures in areas of disadvantage, and measures to combat serious fraud, including the implementation of certain non-legislative proposals of the Government's advisory committee on fraud.

These measures will ensure that the strength of the Force is maintained at about 11,000 and they will also ensure that the Garda authorities have sufficient funding to purchase whatever equipment they require to tackle crime.

It is not just, of course, a question of resources for the Garda. There is a number of other elements to be considered in our integrated approach to the crime problem. Criminal law reform, particularly the new Juvenile Justice Bill and the Fraud Bill, is an essential component in the fight against crime. In addition, I will be bringing proposals to Government which are designed to improve and enhance the co-ordination and cohesion of the various law enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs. A commitment has also been given to a review of the provisions of the Courts and Court Officers Bill, 1994, to ensure that the measures adopted are adequate to tackle the backlog of cases. Furthermore, a five year plan for the management of offenders has been announced. I am confident that these measures, taken together, provide for a comprehensive considered response to the problem of crime in our society.