Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:407 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the Garda strength in each division throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12990/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the current personnel strength – all ranks – of the Garda Síochána as of 8 May 2003 is 11,783. This represents an increase of 815, or 7.4%, since 31 December 1997. The allocation of personnel to individual divisions of the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The Deputy will be aware that the Cabinet has authorised me to make the greatest possible use of the existing capacity of the Garda Training College in Templemore over the next two years to bring the strength of the force to 12,200, its current authorised maximum strength.
A new Garda recruitment competition is under way. It is planned that 660 Garda trainees will be taken into the Garda Training College during 2003. The Garda 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 have already informed this House that he will not be content with raising the strength of the Garda Síochána to an historic high of 12,200, and higher again as soon as budgetary circumstances permit the Government to make progress towards the target of 14,000 provided in the programme for Government for achievement by 2007.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:408 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate Garda training facilities exist to facilitate the urgent need to increase the strength of the force; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12991/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that there are 431 places available on any given week for training gardaí at the Garda college. Of these, 301 places are set aside for student training.
When the student numbers exceed the number of places available the excess numbers are accommodated as part of a living-out programme, which was put in place in July 1996. The facilities continue to meet the accelerated recruiting requirements of the organisation. Contingency plans are in place to provide adequate Garda training facilities where the requirements of the recruiting programme exceed current facilities.
As this House will be aware, the Cabinet has authorised me to make the greatest possible use of the existing capacity of the Garda Training College in Templemore over the next two years to bring the strength of the force to 12,200, its current authorised maximum strength. It remains my intention to make progress towards the target strength of 14,000 for the Garda Síochána provided in the programme for Government for achievement by 2007 as soon as budgetary circumstances permit. I am examining, in conjunction with the Garda authorities, the key issues which arise in this regard, including the adequacy of training resources.