Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when extra gardaí might be made available in the various stations throughout north Kildare; the extent to which it is intended to augment the present strength in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27430/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations throughout County Kildare which require extra personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27431/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division. The personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 1 of November 2004 was 324, all ranks. This represents an increase of 32 or 11% over the personnel strength of the division as at 1 of January 1998 which stood at 292, all ranks, at that time. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Carlow-Kildare with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review by Garda management and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Kildare will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
Regarding Garda resources generally, I am pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government.
The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing and will have a real impact.
