23 November 2006

Justice

Gardaí and Bicycle Training

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.

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.