Vol. 547 No. 1
1027 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which overall Garda numbers have been decided; the criteria which apply in determining Garda numbers in each Garda division; if these criteria apply equally in all divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2720/02]
As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I am responsible for ensuring that the Garda Síochána are adequately resourced in terms of personnel and equipment. When I took office, the strength of the force was in the region of 10,800. By the end of this year, Garda strength will be 12,000, an all-time record high. In order to maintain this number I recently approved the holding of a new Garda competition, details of which will be published shortly.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the assistant commissioner, human resource management, in consultation with divisional officers, arranges for the allocation of Garda personnel throughout the State. He is aided in this regard by a model known as the Garda establishment redistribution Model, GERM, which is a scientific, rational and pragmatic model and is the most effective means of distribution Garda personnel.
1028 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is a requirement that all Garda officers from the rank of inspector upwards should reside full-time in their division; the numbers who so reside at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2721/02]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that chief superintendents and superintendents must reside as conveniently as possible to the divisional headquarters station and cannot, without the Commissioner's sanction, reside at a greater distance than 25 kilometres.
I am further informed that it has not been possible to obtain the detailed information sought by the Deputy in the time available. The information in question is being compiled and will be supplied to the Deputy when it is to hand.
1029 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength which has applied in a number of Garda divisions (details supplied) for each year since 1985; if he will account for the difference in manpower levels in these divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2722/02]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the personnel strength of Mayo, Galway west, Roscommon-Galway east and Clare divisions, as at 31 December, for each of the years since 1985 is as set out hereunder:
Mayo
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1985 |
262 |
|
1986 |
267 |
|
1987 |
266 |
|
1988 |
261 |
|
1989 |
253 |
|
1990 |
256 |
|
1991 |
256 |
|
1992 |
258 |
|
1993 |
255 |
|
1994 |
253 |
|
1995 |
248 |
|
1996 |
252 |
|
1997 |
258 |
|
1998 |
262 |
|
1999 |
261 |
|
2000 |
254 |
|
2001 |
257 |
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1985 |
318 |
|
1986 |
314 |
|
1987 |
320 |
|
1988 |
312 |
|
1989 |
307 |
|
1990 |
311 |
|
1991 |
309 |
|
1992 |
323 |
|
1993 |
328 |
|
1994 |
319 |
|
1995 |
308 |
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1996 |
312 |
|
1997 |
311 |
|
1998 |
324 |
|
1999 |
323 |
|
2000 |
334 |
|
2001 |
342 |
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1985 |
260 |
|
1986 |
258 |
|
1987 |
257 |
|
1988 |
245 |
|
1989 |
242 |
|
1990 |
244 |
|
1991 |
252 |
|
1992 |
253 |
|
1993 |
246 |
|
1994 |
238 |
|
1995 |
236 |
|
1996 |
229 |
|
1997 |
231 |
|
1998 |
241 |
|
1999 |
251 |
|
2000 |
253 |
|
2001 |
249 |
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1985 |
234 |
|
1986 |
229 |
|
1987 |
225 |
|
1988 |
216 |
|
1989 |
209 |
|
1990 |
213 |
|
1991 |
218 |
|
1992 |
219 |
|
1993 |
210 |
|
1994 |
211 |
|
1995 |
214 |
|
1996 |
215 |
|
1997 |
219 |
|
1998 |
234 |
|
1999 |
233 |
|
2000 |
235 |
|
2001 |
234 |
