I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the next intake of Garda recruits to enter the Garda College, Templemore, will take place on Tuesday, 8 May, 2007. It is anticipated that 275 Garda recruits will enter the Garda College on that date. There is a graduation ceremony taking place today and it is anticipated that 254 Probationer Gardaí will graduate. The next graduation is to take place on 26 July, 2007. Figures for this graduation will not be available until closer to the date.