Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to increase resources to the Garda racial and intercultural office; the funding allocated to it for each year since its establishment; the number of persons employed in that office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35851/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (G.R.I.D.O.) forms part of the Community Relations Division. The personnel strength, at the latest date for which figures are available, of the Community Relations Division is 29 and currently 1 Sergeant, 1 Garda and 1 Clerical Officer are allocated to the G.R.I.D.O.

There is no specific budget allocated to the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office from the Garda Vote. The annual expenditure, inclusive of salaries, incurred by the Garda Community Relations Division is approximately €2.8m. Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of resources, including transfers and retirements, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Senior Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community. This situation will be kept under review.