Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the number of community Gardaí in 2006. [21652/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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 An Garda Síochána as at 30 April 2006 was 12,408. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,706 (or 16%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the serving strength of the Force is to receive a significant additional boost with the attestation of approximately 275 new members tomorrow (8 June).

I am further informed that the numbers and locations of Gardaí allocated to Community Policing Duties as at the 31st March 2006 was as set out hereunder:

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. This includes the allocation of personnel to Community Garda Units. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

I should add that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, in line with the commitment in the 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 this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and a further 275 newly attested Gardaí will do so every 90 days thereafter.

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 Community Garda Units throughout the country will be given the fullest consideration.