Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 86: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Traffic Corps at end December 2005 and the number at end of September 2006; and a forecast for end of December 2006. [38419/06]

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

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%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 has resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Garda Traffic Corps as at 31 December, 2005 was 570. The personnel strength of the Garda Traffic Corps as at 30 September, 2006 was 714. This represents an increase of 144 (or 25%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Between now and 2008, it is planned to increase the strength of the Traffic Corps to a complement of 1,200 on the following phased basis:

I should add that 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. Garda management state that 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.