Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:289 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to maximise the number of gardaí working and living in rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6192/96]
Written Answers. - Rural Gardaí Numbers.
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. All aspects of policing in both urban and rural areas are kept under constant review by the Garda authorities to meet changing needs and circumstances.
I am recruiting 350 gardaí to the force this year and a further 350 in 1997. There are approximately 700 clerical civilian staff employed in both urban and rural Garda stations which maximises the number of gardaí available for outdoor policing duties. An information technology plan for the force is also being implemented at present at a cost of £26 million which is expected, in due course, to lead to the release of additional gardaí from administrative tasks to operational policing duties in both urban and rural areas.
Of course, I am anxious to have as many gardaí as possible living in the areas in which they work, particularly in rural areas, and I understand from the Garda authorities that members of the force are encouraged to reside in, or close to, the districts in which they work.