I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 160 and 169 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the areas of organised crime, gun crime and drugs continue to be a top policing priority for the Government and the Garda Commissioner and the resources available for tackling such crime will be kept under constant review.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that they have available to them the technology required to assist in the investigation of organised criminal activities. A number of initiatives are currently under way or have been recently completed by the Garda Síochána in this area including the provision of an updated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), a new Automated Ballistics System (ABIS), a new Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, the impending rollout of the National Digital Radio System, upgraded voice and data networks and 14 new town centre CCTV systems. In addition, new functionality is regularly incorporated into the main Garda incident recording system, PULSE, which is now widely available in over 340 locations nationwide and supported by the Garda Information Services Centre in Castlebar. Crime trends are continually changing and the Garda Síochána regularly evaluates all available technology in combating such criminal activities.
With regard to strength of the force, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 14,284 attested members — representing an increase of 753 or 5.5% on the figures at the same time last year. A further 1,074 recruits are currently in training. These additional resources are available to the Commissioner for deployment in accordance with his overall priorities including in the fight against organised crime.
With regard to the Garda fleet, the size of the operational fleet at end of December 1998 was 1,750 vehicles. This number has increased by over 1,000 to 2,742 vehicles at the end of September 2008 and 60% of these are under two years old. There are 262 motorcycles in the fleet which includes some of the most modern police bikes available. The fleet also includes five command and control vehicles equipped with modern telecommunications and IT equipment. The Garda Air Support Unit took delivery of a second Garda Helicopter delivered in November 2007 which is now fully operational.
