Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the various categories of crime have fluctuated in the divisions and districts in County Kildare in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10629/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. To be of assistance, I have requested the CSO to contact the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.
I am advised that Garda management constantly monitor the distribution of policing resources in the light of crime trends and overall policing needs in all areas of the country, including Kildare, with a view to providing an effective and responsive police service. In this regard the Deputy is aware that under the new Programme for Government we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment with a view to achieving a Force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government's anti-crime strategy and it builds on the recruitment of 1,150 new Gardai since we reopened the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014.
The ongoing recruitment process will support all policing operations, including special targeted strategies such as Operation Thor which marks a significant step-up in the Garda response to burglaries and related crime. In excess of €5 million is being specifically committed to support Operation Thor and includes funding for Garda overtime which is supporting a combination of additional patrols, checkpoints, rapid armed response and public awareness measures.
Furthermore, investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021 which provides €46 million for new Garda vehicles, ensuring that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive, on the roads and in the community. The Government is also investing in Garda airborne surveillance and enhanced technology and ICT systems. In fact, the Capital Plan 2016-2021 provides an additional €205 million for Garda ICT over the lifetime of the Plan underlining the ongoing commitment in the Programme for Government to resource and equip An Garda Síochána to provide enhanced policing and support local communities in all areas of the country.
