Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2006
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an examination has been carried out to identify precisely the number of gardaí still required with regard to the promise to put 2000 extra gardaí on the streets during the lifetime of this Government; if this figure is in the region of 2000; his proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42219/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2004, I announced that I was proceeding with the Government's promise to recruit 2,000 additional Gardaí and an implementation plan to achieve that expansion was drawn up in consultation with the Commissioner.
That plan envisaged a recruiting strategy that would see the combined strength of the Force reaching some 14,000 Gardaí (including trainees) by the end of 2006. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 has resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137.
The strength of the Garda Síochána has been substantially increased since 1997. In June 1997 the Force strength, excluding trainees, stood at 10,702. The personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána, excluding trainees, increased to a record 13,000 on 16 November 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.
The Garda Budget for 2006 stands at €1.3 billion, which represents a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms. In addition to expenditure on operations, these resources are also being used to provide required facilities. Most recently, significant property has been purchased in Tipperary to provide a major tactical and practical training centre for the Force. This will enable a broad range of training facilities to be developed.
The current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target.
In October 2004, I announced that I was proceeding with the Government's promise to recruit 2,000 additional Gardaí over the life of the Government and an implementation plan to achieve that expansion was drawn up in consultation with the Commissioner.
That plan envisaged a recruiting strategy that would see the combined strength of the Force reaching some 14,044 Gardaí (including trainees) by the end of 2006. The overall strength of the Force, including recruits in training is now in fact some 14,137. So, we have delivered on our target well ahead of schedule.
|
Recruitment 2004-2008 |
|||
|
Year Ending |
New Entrant Intake |
Total (including trainees) |
Total (excluding trainees) |
|
2004 |
523 |
12,743 |
12,220 |
|
2005 |
1,096 |
13,388 |
12,292 |
|
2006 |
1,096 |
14,044 |
12,948 |
|
2007 |
1,097 |
14,627 |
13,530 |
|
2008 |
661 |
14,661 |
14,000 |
I have always said that phased increase in the strength of An Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006, with a fully attested strength of 14,000 by 2008. The expansion of the Garda Síochána is fully on target. Since the first quarter of 2005, it was planned to induct approximately 275 recruits to the Garda Training College each quarter. In actual fact, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005 and a further 1,114 were inducted this year. And it is planned to induct a further 1,100 recruits in 2007 which will result in a fully attested strength of 14,000 by 2008. The project to deliver on this commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government is fully on target and will be achieved.
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is true that a trebling of the number of gardaí at the various stations throughout County Kildare is required in order to bring the number of gardaí into line with the population; when he expects to accede to this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42221/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra97 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when he will provide a separate Garda division for the entire county of Kildare with a view to making available the necessary resources and co-ordination of the fight against crime with particular reference to the need generated by rapidly increasing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42223/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 97 together.
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.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that there is currently no proposal to provide a separate Garda division for the entire County of Kildare. The personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 281(all ranks). The personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division as at 6 December, 2006 was 371 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 90 (or 32%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.
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.
