Michael Ring
Question:232 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when personnel at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Mayo will be replaced. [28543/04]
View answerTuesday, 16 November 2004
Questions (177)
Written answers
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that a garda is due to be allocated to the Garda station, referred to by the Deputy, on 3 December 2004.
Regarding Garda resources generally, I am, pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with an Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.