Written answers

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

8:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if guidelines have been issued to the Garda Commissioner regarding the deployment of additional gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2396/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner who takes into account various factors including population, crime trends and the operational policing needs of each division.

In regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in an Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.

The Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources which will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and significant public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to increase significantly the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high visibility policing where they will have a real impact.

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