John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 186: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the numbers of gardaí on the beat in areas of high density population in Sligo. [24308/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Sligo/Leitrim Division as at 21 June, 2006 was 283 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the Sligo/Leitrim Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 257 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 26 (or 10.11%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Garda Management state that this includes seven Gardaí allocated to the Sligo/Leitrim Division on 9 June, 2006 in conjunction with the most recent allocation of Probationer Gardaí. Local Management report that these newly allocated Gardaí will take up duty on the regular uniform units at Sligo Garda Station, which will result in extra members performing beat duty.

Local Garda Management report that a high visibility pilot scheme has been introduced throughout the Sligo/Leitrim Division, which will result in an increased visible Garda presence in the high density population centres in County Sligo namely Sligo Town, Ballymote and Tubbercurry. As part of this pilot scheme local Garda Management have introduced "Operation Yellow" a local initiative in Sligo town, which commenced on 14 June, 2006 ensuring that Gardaí at all ranks perform more beat duty.

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. 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. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and the second such group did so on 8 of June. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete.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 the areas referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.