Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next tranche of community Gardaí will enter the system; the number that will be assigned to the Kildare/Carlow division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9072/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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 by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 5 March, 2007 was 281 and 370 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 89 (or 31.7%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The total number of designated Community Gardaí within the Carlow/Kildare Division on 5 March, 2007 was 3. Of course, all uniformed Gardaí carry out community policing functions.

The next attestation of Probationer Gardaí will take place on 14 March, 2007. The needs of the Carlow/Kildare Division have been considered by the Garda Commissioner and he proposes that an additional 19 Probationer Gardaí will be allocated to this Division. I know that the Garda Commissioner will take full account of community policing in the allocation of resources to the Division in question. However, 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 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.

The Deputy may wish to know that a review of Community Policing in Ireland is currently being carried out and it is anticipated that the review will be completed in 2007. This review will take into account international best practice in this area.