Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the time devoted to each of the five phases of Garda training, both in the Garda College and at Garda stations; if there has been reduction in the time for any of the five phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6851/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The current Garda recruit training programme is of two years duration and is made up of 5 separate but integrated phases. The time devoted to each phase of training and the location of each phase of training is as set out as follows:- Phase 1 involves 22 weeks in the Garda College. Phase 2 involves 24 weeks in a Training Garda Station. Phase 3 involves 12 weeks at the Garda College and 4 weeks at a Training Garda Station. Phase 4 involves 38 weeks at a Training Garda Station and Phase 5 involves 4 weeks at the Garda College.

There has been no reduction in the Garda training programme. The only change in recent times has been an adjustment in Phase 3 so that 4 of the 16 weeks in that Phase are spent in a Garda Station rather than at the Garda College. This training programme is being managed in such a way as to ensure that the accelerated intake of 275 recruits per quarter into the Garda College will result in the Government's target of a total Garda strength of 15,000 being met.