Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
538. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the strength of An Garda Síochána in County Kildare is likely to be further augmented, in order to confront organised criminality and other crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20838/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Kildare Garda Division on 31 March 2015 the latest date for which figures are readily available is 299. There are also 40 Garda Reserves and around 28 Civilians attached to the Kildare Division.
300 Garda recruits have been taken into the Garda College and the first group have already attested and are now full members of An Garda Síochána. On the recent attestation of Garda recruits five were assigned to the Kildare Garda Division. In addition I have secured sanction for the recruitment of a further 250 Garda recruits later this year and the selection process for that is under way.
Similarly, investments are being made in vehicles and IT, and in the recruitment of specialist professional staff. Policing and community safety in all areas will undoubtedly benefit from this injection of resources.
