The Deputy will be aware that An Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána by a further 2,000. Increasing the strength of the force, which is now almost 12,000 on foot of a previous commitment, by 2,000 would represent an approximate 16% increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána and, as such, it will be appreciated that a sufficient element of planning is required to effectively implement the commitment.
As I previously informed the House, my Department wrote to the Garda authorities and requested them to identify the key issues which arise in the context of the implementation of the above commitment. Consultation is required not only with the Garda authorities but also with the Office of Public Works and the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission.
The implementation of the Government commitment in this matter represents a significant challenge for the Garda training college at Templemore. The college currently accepts 500 to 550 trainees per year and has a maximum capacity of 650 trainees per annum. As the annual intake required to implement the commitment would exceed the current capacity of the Garda college, consideration is being given to increasing its physical capacity and to the provision of additional resources so that the maximum training capacity could be increased. In addition, such matters as the need for extra civilian staff, including medical staff, whether gardaí would need to be diverted from operational duties to training, the provision of sufficient facilities for catering, physical education and information technology require to be addressed. The expanded use of students living-out accommodation may also be required.
The provision for the Garda Vote in the Abridged Estimates for 2003 relates to the maintenance of the existing level of services. The Estimates are prepared on that basis. It does not, nor is it intended to, address the question of additional gardaí which is being considered separately.
The Department is currently in the final stages of its examination of the detailed planning and logistical issues involved in this matter, including costs. As soon as I have finalised my consideration of those issues, I will bring the matter to Government in the usual way. The question of allocating the necessary funding to underpin the implementation of the commitment is one of the matters which will arise for consideration by Government.
