Vol. 541 No. 2
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate technical, mechanical and financial resources are available to the Garda to undertake the fight against crime; if adequate patrol cars of recent vintage are available to all divisions; the plans he has to address shortfalls which may exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22226/01]
The Garda Síochána has the necessary human, technical, mechanical and financial resources to fight crime. Indeed, the Garda Síochána has never been as well resourced as it is today. Since I took office, the size of the force has increased from 10,800 to a current level of 11,800, an increase of over 1,000 and a record high. We are well on our way to meeting the Government commitment of 12,000 by the year 2002. The provision for the Garda Vote this year alone is £693 million, 48% higher than the 1997 allocation.
It has been my policy as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to ensure that the Garda has at its disposal the most modern equipment available to enable it to operate effectively in the fight against crime. This includes the provision of aircraft for use by the Garda Air Support Unit, the purchase of a patrol boat for the Garda Water Unit, the introduction of the PULSE system and the expansion of Garda CCTV systems. Work is under way on introducing a new digital based communications system.
