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Ciarán Cuffe
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the
number of gardaí who have undertaken the bicycle training course, and
the number of bicycles available at Garda stations (details supplied) in
County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. |
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Tánaiste and Minister
for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):
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 on Thursday, 16
November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. 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 induction of 280 new Garda recruits
to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 resulted in a combined
strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137.
The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and
an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the
number of Gardaí who have undertaken the bicycle training course, and
the number of bicycles available at Blackrock, Cabinteely, Dalkey, Dun
Laoghaire, Kill O'Grange and Shankill Garda Stations are as set out in
the following table:
I have also been informed
by the Garda authorities that currently 500 Garda personnel have been
trained and equipped for mountain bike duties nationally, including over
300 personnel allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
Assistant Commissioner DMR is currently reviewing deployment of mountain
bikes in the DMR with a view to expansion and establishment of new
units.
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to
allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in
accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel
allocations are determined by a number of factors including
demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other
operational policing needs. Garda management state that 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. |