I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 28 June 2005 was 327, all ranks. This represents an increase of 35, or 12%, on the personnel allocated to the division since 31 December 1997. This compares with an increase of 1,277, or 11.6%, in the overall strength of the force in the period from 31 December 1997 to 1 June 2005.
Newly attested groups of probationer gardaí are allocated throughout the country four times each year. It should therefore be noted that the personnel strength of each division will fluctuate in between each allocation as a result of promotions, retirements and so on.
Garda management states that the situation will be kept under review and when the next group of probationer gardaí is being allocated the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered.
Regarding Garda resources generally, I am very pleased 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 the 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 draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered in the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
