asked the Minister for Justice whether he is satisfied that the optimum number of members of the Garda Síochána are available for active police duties, or whether more of the non-police functions in offices and elsewhere could be taken over by civilians.
Written Answers. - Civilians Attached to Garda Stations.
21.
As at 1 November 1986 the number of civilians attached to the Garda Síochána was 573, of whom 420 were employed on clerical duties and 153 in industrial-related and other similar type posts.
It is established policy to appoint civilians to Garda offices to the maximum extent practicable, thereby releasing as many gardaí as possible for operational police duties. It is my intention to continue this policy but the appointment of additional civilians to Garda offices cannot be considered in isolation from the overall Government policy in relation to staffing in the public service and account must be taken of the general restrictions on public service recruitment. Having regard to these constraints, as many gardaí as possible are at present being made available for operational police duties. The matter is being kept under review.