John Deasy
Question:143 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the Garda reserve force proposal announced recently. [12818/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
David Stanton
Question:144 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans regarding the establishment of a reserve Garda force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12847/03]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:155 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is considering the establishment of a Garda reserve force; the role and powers of such a force; the numbers that would be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12767/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 144 and 155 together.
I am considering a number of measures to strengthen the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána. In this regard, the merit of establishing a Garda reserve force will be among the measures considered in the context of proposals which I am advancing for Garda reform, increased accountability and improved investigative powers, to provide for a significantly enhanced modern police service.
With regard to the question of resources for the Garda Síochána generally, it is my intention to make progress towards the target strength of 14,000 for the Garda Síochána provided in the programme for Government for achievement by 2007 as soon as budgetary circumstances permit.
As a first step in this process, this House will be aware that I have been authorised by the Cabinet to make the greatest possible use of the existing capacity of the Garda Training College in Templemore over the next two years to bring the strength of the force to 12,200, its current authorised maximum strength. While it will not be possible to increase numbers beyond that point for as long as the cap on public service numbers remains in place, this in itself will represent an all time record level of strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to implement the indications given and promises made more than a year ago to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 12,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12844/03]
Denis Naughten
Question:182 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he intends to introduce to increase Garda manpower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/03]
Denis Naughten
Question:197 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he is taking to increase Garda numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 182 and 197 together.
The current strength of the force stands at approximately 11,800.
As this house will be aware, I have been authorised by the Cabinet to make the greatest possible use of the existing capacity of the Garda Training College in Templemore over the next two years to bring the strength of the force to 12,200, its current authorised maximum strength. While it will not be possible to increase numbers beyond that point for as long as the cap on public service numbers remains in place, this in itself will represent an all time record level of strength.
A new Garda recruitment competition is under way. It is planned that 660 Garda trainees will be taken into the Garda college during 2003. The commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004.
I have already told this House that he will not be content with raising the strength of the Garda Síochána to an historic high of 12,200, and higher again as soon as budgetary circumstances permit the Government to make progress towards the target of 14,000 provided in the programme for Government for achievement by 2007. I also intend to increase, as soon as circumstances permit, the number of Garda members available for front-line policing through a process of civilianisation.
Effective law enforcement and the maintenance of public order is not, of course, achieved simply by increasing Garda numbers. A range of solutions and innovations across the criminal justice system as a whole must be invoked as society changes and new challenges arise. I look forward to the full co-operation of the House as he continues to address those challenges.