Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members assigned to the Garda Water Unit and their respective ranks; the number of civilian personnel in the unit; and the annual cost of running the unit. [13188/07]

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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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.

The total personnel strength (all ranks) of the Garda Water Unit as at the 30 March 2007 was three (3) Sergeants and fifteen (15) Gardaí. There are no civilian personnel attached to the Garda Water Unit.

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.

The cost of running the Garda Water Unit in 2006 was approximately €1.78 million.