Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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439. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the most recent figures for the number of traffic corps in each Garda division, in tabular form. [34792/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including to the Garda Traffic Corps and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the total strength of the Garda Traffic Corps on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 663. In addition, there is a Chief Superintendent and a Superintendent attached to the DMR Traffic Corps, and a Superintendent attached to the West and South East Region. The other three Regions each have a Traffic Inspector.

The Commissioner has committed in her Policing Plan for 2017 to increase incrementally the number of personnel dedicated to traffic duties by 10% to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. It is envisaged that the planned increase will be achieved in the second part of this year as newly attested Gardaí come on stream, freeing up resources for assignment to traffic policing.

I am informed that a proposal in respect of the reconfiguration of the Traffic Corps is currently being developed. It is anticipated that the reconfiguration will be completed before the end of 2017. An Garda Síochána also indicated that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.

Underpinning these measures is the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government plans to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan which is in train within An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.

For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps in each Division as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available from the Commissioner.

Garda Traffic Corps 31/05/2017