I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that no Gardaí from the Stations listed above have reported their intention to retire in 2007. Garda Management state that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) who have retired from the Stations listed above since 1 January, 2002 was 57. Garda management further state that the information on total numbers of transfers to and from the Stations referred to in the question over the past five years is not readily available in the detail sought and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources. It is anticipated that approximately 1,100 Student Gardaí will be attested to the Garda Síochána during 2007. I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public. I know that the Garda Commissioner will take full account of the needs of Garda Stations in County Tipperary in his allocation of the very considerable increase under way in the strength of the Force.
