Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that Garda strength and technology is adequate to meet the challenges of modern criminal activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31069/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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With the huge increase in investment in Garda resources under this Government, I am satisfied that Garda strength and technology is adequate to meet the challenges of modern society. 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 increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

In particular, the 2006 overtime allocation has risen to €83.5m which represents an increase of 36.6% over the allocation of €61.1m for 2005. This substantial increase in the overtime budget reflects in particular the continued implementation of Operation Anvil. An Garda Síochána's general budgetary policy is aimed at securing increased efficiencies in the deployment of Garda resources and the increase in the overtime allocation assists with that.

I want to see Gardaí provided with all necessary equipment up to best international practice. I am providing and will continue to provide the necessary resources for this to happen. In relation to protective equipment generally, I am of the view that in facing the dangers that they do on our streets, members of the Force need protective and defensive equipment commensurate with that risk. In that regard, I wish to inform the Deputy that in relation to "Body Armour", the Garda Síochána, has issued Requests for Tender (RFTs) for the supply and delivery of 12,500 Anti Stab/Ballistic Vests and 3,000 Retractable Batons. There is also a provision in these RFTs to purchase a further 4,700 vests and a further 12,000 Batons, if required, over the duration of the contract. Contracts are due to be signed in the very near future for the supply of these items and it is expected that the delivery will commence shortly thereafter.

An Garda Síochána constantly evaluate all available technology with a view to determining the technology best suited to their needs. Significant resources are being invested in technology for the Gardaí to assist them in the exercise of all their functions. The capital allocation for IT in 2006 is €33.323 million representing an increase of €5.065 million (18%) on the 2005 outturn. One aspect of technology I am particularly committed to is the delivery of a state-of-the-art digital radio service for An Garda Síochána. To this end, the procurement of an outsourced Managed Service by the Department of Finance on behalf of An Garda Síochána, other blue light services and some non-commercial public bodies, is well underway. While the exact timeframe for rollout will be subject to contract negotiations with the successful bidder, the implementation of the new service is planned to commence later this year. The total allocation for communications for 2006 is €12.9 million.

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 three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. I have made the necessary regulations providing for the establishment of a Garda Reserve and recruitment and training of Reserve Members is underway.

I am continuing to strengthen the civilian support available to An Garda Síochána. The Human Resources Division for civilian staff in An Garda Síochána has now been established and when fully operational will have a staffing complement of 37 civilians who will carry out recruitment, training, discipline, industrial relations and general HR administrative functions for the 1,900 clerical, administrative, professional, technical and industrial civilians now working with An Garda Síochána. The Division will also play a key strategic role in driving forward the wider Civilianisation Programme. The Director and a number of staff have now commenced duty, and recruitment of the remaining staff is underway. In addition, the Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) in Castlebar, is now almost fully operational with some 150 civilian staff. The GISC allows Gardaí who would otherwise have to return to their Stations to input data on the PULSE system, to log the information with the GISC, while remaining on the beat. This frees up very significant amounts of Garda time for continued operational duty. This unprecedented investment in resources by this Government to An Garda Síochana, provides a firm platform to take on the challenges of policing in a modern diverse society.