Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Strength

7:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of An Garda Síochána, the number of juvenile liaison officers and the percentage of the force this represents in respect of 2006 and each year since 2002; if he has plans to increase the number of JLOs in view of the proven success of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41935/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the strength of the juvenile liaison officer service in County Kildare with a view to bringing the strength into line with the population requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42222/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 96 together.

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 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) 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 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.

The personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as at 31 December, 2002-2005, inclusively, and as at 4 December, 2006, was as set out in the following table.

31/12/0231/12/0331/12/0431/12/0516/11/06
Personnel strength11,89512,01712,20912,26413,000

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 95 Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers, including 2 Juvenile Liaison Officers in the Carlow/Kildare Division. In addition, the National Juvenile Office has a staff of 1 Superintendent, (the Director of Diversion Programme), 1 Inspector and 2 Sergeants.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers as at 31 December, 2002-2005, inclusive, was as set out in the following table.

31/12/0231/12/0331/12/0431/12/05
JLOs93939495

JLOs are responsible for implementing the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, which provides an opportunity to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. It operates on a nationwide basis under the supervision and direction of the Garda National Juvenile Office, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. The Programme provides that, in certain circumstances, a juvenile under 18 years of age, who freely accepts responsibility for a criminal incident, may be cautioned as an alternative to prosecution.

In addition to the Juvenile Diversion Programme, there are also 74 Garda Youth Diversion Projects nationwide. Garda Youth Diversion Projects aim to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature. These projects cater for approximately 2,500 participants per annum and are particularly targeted at 10-18 year old "at risk" youths in communities where a specific need has been identified. The allocation of funding for the 74 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (along with 7 Local Drug Task Force Projects) in 2006 is just over €6.6 million, which is an increase of €1.2 million on 2005.

It is my intention to ensure that 100 schemes will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. Recently, I announced the establishment of ten new projects located in Blanchardstown, Birr, Carlow, Castlebar, Cavan, Clondalkin, Limerick, Tallaght and Tralee (two projects). The appointment of additional Juvenile Liaison Officers for these projects is under consideration.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. 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.

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