John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civilians employed in Waterford Garda station in 2001; the number of civilians currently employed there; the number of posts in Waterford Garda station that were occupied by gardaí in 2001 that are currently occupied by civilians; his plans to further fill such posts in Waterford Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24222/06]

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

There were eight civilian staff employed in Waterford Garda Station in 2001. In the years since 2001, these numbers have been increased and today stand at 11, including 1 District Finance Officer, 1 Staff Officer, and 9 Clerical Officers. The District Finance Officer was appointed in line with the 2001 Civilianisation Report and is carrying out the Finance function previously performed by a member of An Garda Síochána.

While progress in relation to the appointment of additional Clerical Officers to Garda Stations has been stalled for some time now due to the Equal Pay case taken by the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU), I am pleased to say that other elements of the Civilianisation Programme are continuing apace and are contributing to the freeing-up of Gardaí for front-line policing. I would refer the Deputy in particular, to the establishment of the Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) in Castlebar. Whereas previously Gardaí had to return to their Stations following a crime event to enter data on PULSE, they now make a call to GISC, where civilian colleagues input the data for them, allowing officers to remain "on the beat". This new system, which has already been rolled out in the South-East Region, including Waterford, is yielding enormous benefits to the Garda Síochána.