Written answers

Thursday, 8 March 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Strength

5:00 pm

Photo of Liam TwomeyLiam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength and resources allotted to Castlebridge in County Wexford in 1997; the way this compares to the situation in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9219/07]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael 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 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 approximately 1100 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 personnel strength of Castlebridge Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and on 31 January, 2007 was 1 (all ranks). Castlebridge Garda Station forms part of the Wexford District. The personnel strength of the Wexford District on 31 December, 1997 and on 31 January, 2007 was 76 and 103 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 27 (or 35.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Vehicles and IT resources allocated to Wexford town are utilised in policing the sub district of Castlebridge.

Resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), other specialised units and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), all of which have had increased resources.

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.

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