Vol. 558 No. 2
216 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of places available for training gardaí in the training college at Templemore; the anticipated throughput in a single year; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24042/02]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda training college currently accepts 500 to 550 trainees per year and has a maximum capacity of 650 trainees per annum. There are 431 overnight accommodation places available on any given week for training gardaí at the college. Of the 431 places, 130 are set aside each week for non-student training. When student numbers exceed the number of places available the excess numbers are accommodated as part of a living out programme which was put in place in 1996.
The throughput of student and probationer gardaí in 2002 is 1,519. This number includes all those undergoing phases 1, 3 and 5 of the two year Garda training programme.
217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of extra gardaí likely to be trained and available for service in the force throughout 2003; the extent to which this figure is in accord with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24043/02]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that some 549 student gardaí are due to be attested to the Garda Síochána in 2003 and become available for service. This is in line with projections for 2003.
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. My 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.
