I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána has the personnel and resources necessary to meet the demands placed on them. However, this is something which must be kept under continuous review and changes made as necessary.
I am, for example, recruiting 350 gardaí this year and a further 350 gardaí in 1997. In addition, an Information Technology Plan for the force is being implemented at present at a cost of approximately £26 million. When implemented, this plan should result in the release of a significant number of gardaí from administrative tasks to perform outdoor policing duties. It should also provide improved management information so that more effective use can be made of Garda resources. As part of this development I inaugurated in January, a new £1.8 million computerised fingerprinting system for the Garda Síochána which is one of the most advanced fingerprinting systems in the world. This system will lead to an increase in crime detection rates.