Written Answers - Garda Strength
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
136
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the steps he has taken to increase Garda strength to a level sufficient to meet rapidly increasing demands and in line with commitments made in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7461/03]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:
166
Mr. Naughten
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the action he is taking to increase Garda numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7259/03]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:
171
Mr. Naughten
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the measures he intends to introduce to increase Garda manpower; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7260/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 166 and 171 together.
The current strength of the force stands at approximately 11,800. As I informed this House in an answer to a question from Deputy Costello on 6 February, the Cabinet has authorised me to make the greatest possible use of the existing capacity of the Garda training college at Templemore during the next two years, to bring the strength of the force to 12,200, its current authorised maximum strength. While it will not be possible to increase numbers beyond that point for as long as the cap on public service numbers remains in place, the number will represent an all-time record level of strength. On 17 February 2003, 165 trainees were admitted to the Garda college. I have authorised the Garda Commissioner to make appropriate arrangements with the Local Appointments Commission to conduct another recruitment campaign, to be advertised in the coming months. It is anticipated that 642 trainees will be taken into the Garda college in 2003. The commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004.
I want to emphasise that I am committed to supporting the Garda Síochána in every way. This will be achieved not only by increasing Garda numbers, but by facilitating and promoting change and reform, both in the force and in the criminal justice system, aimed at meeting the challenges of modern crime. I am finalising proposals for legislative change to significantly improve Garda powers of criminal investigation and I have already introduced a Bill to improve public order law. The increased use of technology can free up resources and enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The PULSE system has made a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the Garda, but I believe that there is considerable potential for greater use of technology across the range of criminal justice agencies.
Many factors determine the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. I will not be content to raise the strength of the Garda to an historic high of 12,200 and higher when budgetary circumstances permit. The Government intends to make progress towards the target of 14,000 provided in An Agreed Programme for Government by 2007. I want the resources of the entire criminal justice system to be used effectively to combat crime and I hope I will have the support of the House for the measures I will bring forward to achieve that objective. I also intend to increase, as soon as circumstances permit, the number of Garda members available for front-line policing through a process of civilianisation. A study for further civilianisation in the Garda was completed as part of the bottom-up review of the organisation as recommended in the Garda steering group report of 1997. The study recommended a programme of civilianisation of 496 technical and administrative posts occupied by Gardaí to allow for the release of Garda members to operational policing. It is envisaged that the posts will be civilianised on a phased basis over a number of years.
