Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 273: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected number of Gardaí by rank and by division who are due to retire from the force in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1319/07]

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 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have also been informed that the projected number of Gardaí who are due to retire from the Garda Síochána in 2007 is 356 (all ranks).

Garda management state that this projection is based on variables and is therefore subject to change over time. This projection is calculated for the Force as a whole and is not available by rank or Division.

I should also mention that I have made Regulations increasing the retirement age for Gardaí, Sergeants and Inspectors from 57 to 60 years of age with effect from 22 December, 2006. This will help to maximise Garda strength and ensure continuity of key skills within the An Garda Síochána. Thanks to this decision there will be no compulsory retirements from Garda, Garda Sergeant and Inspector ranks on age grounds over the next two years.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected number of newly attested Gardaí who are due to be deployed in 2007, broken down by Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/07]

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 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that it is anticipated that approximately 1,100 Student Gardaí will be attested to the service during 2007.

It is not possible to indicate the Divisions to which the additional Gardaí will be allocated as the allocation of Garda personnel will be determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and other operational policing needs of each Garda Division.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.