Vol. 558 No. 2
71 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected number of members of the Garda Síochána by 2007, in view of the fact that there is no provision in the 2002 Estimates for additional members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23757/02]
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. 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.
