Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2006
35 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí seconded to work on Operation Freeflow from 27 November 2006 to 7 January 2007; the divisions from which they have been seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42038/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no Gardaí seconded to work on Operation Freeflow. The personnel deployed on Operation Freeflow, in addition to the Garda Traffic Corps and Traffic Units, are resourced from within their respective Divisions, as all Gardaí have responsibility to deal with the enforcement of traffic legislation. A number of Gardaí are specifically deployed to assist the Garda Traffic Corps and Traffic Units throughout the country on Operation Freeflow, from 27 November, 2006 to 7 January, 2007, as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Division |
Number |
|
Cork City |
22 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
29 |
|
D.M.R North Central |
35 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
25 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
30 |
|
D.M.R. South |
20 |
|
D.M.R. West |
25 |
|
Galway West |
13 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. 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.
