Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 622: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that 15 members of the Garda Síochána sought transfers from a station, details supplied, in the latter part of 2005; if all of the positions left vacant have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14248/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 the Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2006 was 12,439. This compares with a total strength of 10,702, all ranks, as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,737 or 16.2% in the personnel strength of the force during that period.

I am further advised that the personnel strength, all ranks, of Tallaght Garda station as at 31 March 2006 was 170. This compares with an equivalent figure of 133 as at 31 December 1997, and represents an increase of 37 or 27.8% in that period.

Garda management advise that the number of members who sought transfers from Tallaght Garda station in 2005 and whose transfer requests have not yet been acceded to is five. A total of 21 gardaí, all at Garda rank, were transferred out of Tallaght Garda station in 2005. These gardaí were either appointed to a national unit, following successful participation in a competition, or facilitated with a transfer to another Garda station. A total of 19 probationer gardaí were allocated directly from the Garda College to the station and one garda transferred into the station.

I should also say that the timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the 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 this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007 by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of Tallaght Garda station will be given the fullest consideration.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 623: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the decision he has made on foot of the recommendations he received in respect of the night closure of certain Garda stations. [14249/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have not received any recommendations in respect of the night closure of certain Garda stations, however, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a review group was tasked with conducting an impact assessment of the possible closure-reduced opening-amalgamation of Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region. I understand that this report has been completed and is currently with senior management for consideration. The issue of reducing opening hours is a matter for local Garda management while any proposal to cease stationing members in a Garda station must be included in a draft annual policing plan in accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.