I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.
Garda boundaries do not always correlate with County and Electoral boundaries. I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Kerry Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 2002, and as at 20 November, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
Date
|
Strength
|
31/12/97
|
230
|
31/12/02
|
266
|
20/11/06
|
294
|
This represents an increase of 64 (or 27.8%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Kerry Division during the period above. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
Local Garda management report that with the continued expansion at Kerry (Farranfore) Airport, a review of policing and Immigration requirements at Kerry Airport has commenced. I understand that the Office of Public Works expect to have a Sketch Scheme ready, for the new Garda Area Headquarters Station at Castleisland by the end of the year, for submission to my Department and the Garda authorities.
I further understand that on approval of the Sketch Scheme the OPW expect to initiate the requisite planning process early next year. The Deputy can be assured that my officials will continue to liaise closely with the OPW with a view to addressing the accommodation needs of the Gardaí at Castleisland.
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.