Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the degree to which adequate personnel are available to the Garda, particularly to facilitate extra foot patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18755/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda authorities have advised me that the total personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, all ranks for the years ending 31 December 1997 to 31 December 2001 and the personnel strength at present is as set out as follows:

Year	Strength
1997	10,968
1998	11,235
1999	11,458
2000	11,640
2001	11,815
14/10/2002	11,873

This represents an increase of 905 in that period or 8.25%. An additional 122 gardaí are due to be attested to the Garda Síochána on 28 November 2002. The allocation of gardaí to facilitate foot patrols is a matter for the Garda authorities having regard to overall operational requirements.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 44.