Vol. 572 No. 4
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the Garda has adequate resources to meet the challenges involved in the fight against crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23650/03]
I am committed to supporting the Garda in the fight against crime as a highest priority by increasing the strength of the force and the resources available to it. I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 13 October, 2003 is 11,908 compared to 10,800 in June 1997. This represents an increase of over 10%. I am prioritising Garda recruitment and training to bring the strength of the force up to its maximum authorised strength of 12,200, an all time record level of strength, as soon as possible. To this end, a new Garda recruitment competition is under way. The Commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this year's level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004.
The Government remains committed to achieving its objective of an increase of 2,000 in the strength of the force as soon as budgetary and public service number considerations permit. This will involve a further increase of approximately 1,700 in excess of the existing limit of 12,200. The adequacy of resources is a matter which is kept constantly under review and at the moment is the subject of particular examination in the context of the annual Estimates process. Parallel with this, I have recently published legislative proposals to significantly enhance the criminal investigative powers of members of the Garda Síochána and to comprehensively reform the law on the governance of the force. My objective is to ensure that the Garda Síochána is and remains a properly resourced, staffed and managed force with the capabilities to effectively deter and detect crime and bring offenders to justice.
