Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if support will be given to the AGSI in its efforts in having more civilian staff for An Garda Síochána; and if he will further support this proposal as it will release up to 400 full-time, fully trained professional Gardaí. [16863/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on increasing Garda civilian support staff from its current level of 10 percent of Garda strength to upwards of 35 percent thereby releasing up to 400 full-time fully trained professional Gardaí for duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17437/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 347 together.

The current agreement with the Garda Associations provides that posts can only be civilianised through natural wastage, as a result of which, the Civilianisation Report completed in 2001, has a 20 year implementation timetable, with a significant proportion of the posts identified to be civilianised in 2021. I am therefore pleased to note that in recent weeks the Garda Associations have changed their stance and are calling for an accelerated programme of civilianisation, and I look forward to discussing the matter with the Associations shortly. I would also refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 4 on 27 April 2006, where I provided a comprehensive update on the significant progress being made in relation to civilianisation.