Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I am delighted to be here today at this, my first ceremony, to mark the graduation of 277 new members of An Garda Síochána. This is a memorable day for all of you and your family and friends who are joining with you in celebrating your achievement. My congratulations to each one of you for successfully completing a very testing but, nonetheless, rewarding course.  

You are graduating at a time of changing economic circumstances, yet the challenges that lie before you as members of An Garda Síochána remain constant.  I, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with the Government and the Garda Commissioner are determined that tackling crime will remain our number one priority and we are committed to ensure that the necessary resources and supports are in place for frontline policing.    

Funding
There has been an unprecedented level of investment in An Garda Síochána over the past number of years to provide An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources and equipment in serving and protecting communities around the country.  Against the backdrop of our changing economic climate, I am pleased to say that a budget of €1.589 billion has been secured for An Garda Síochána in 2009.  I am confident this level of funding will enable existing levels of service in frontline policing to be maintained and allow for the continuing modernisation of the Force. 

Garda Numbers
Human resources are key to the provision of any policing service.  Over the past few years the expansion in the size of the Force has been unprecedented. From the start of this year to the end of 2009, the attested strength of the Force will have grown by over 1,100 to almost 14,900. This represents an 8% increase.  The additional rostered hours available next year as a result of this expansion will enable a reduction in reliance on overtime while ensuring frontline services are not adversely affected.  

In addition to the increase in attested strength, civilian numbers in An Garda Síochána have increased to 2,038 representing a 20% increase in these resources available to the Garda Commissioner since the start of this year alone.  This follows on from a 32% increase in the number of civilian employees in 2007.  In total, over the past 21 months, the number of civilians employed in An Garda Síochána has increased by 59%. 

Continued Recruitment
There are currently almost 1,100 trainees in the Garda College.   Recruitment, albeit at a more modest level, will continue with an intake of 100 in November next and further intakes planned for 2009.  In order to cater for the huge expansion in recruitment over the past number of years it was necessary to move the bulk of the continuous development training out of the College.  As numbers of trainees return to more normal levels it will be possible to return this training to the College in the very near future.  I have no doubt that this will be handled smoothly by the College and it is an appropriate occasion for me to formally acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all involved in meeting the challenges posed by the expansion of recruitment over the past few years while at the same time maintaining the highest training standards. 

Introduction of Incapacitant Spray
I am determined that An Garda Síochána have at their disposal the most modern equipment to allow them to operate safely and effectively.

Over the past number of years there has been a marked increase in both assaults and obstructions experienced by Garda members in the course of their duty.  For example, assaults causing harm have more than doubled during the period 2005–2007.  The introduction of incapacitant sprays by Police in other jurisdictions has been found to be a contributing factor in reducing such assaults and injuries to Police Officers. It was also found that the use by Police of such sprays has been a factor in reducing injuries to suspects as well as a reduction in allegations of excessive force against Police Officers.

Accordingly, following consultation with my Government colleagues, I have approved a request from the Garda Commissioner to introduce an incapacitant spray, more commonly know as pepper spray, for use by operational members of An Garda Síochána.

Conclusion
To conclude, I want to congratulate all of you who are graduating here today.  It is a great achievement.  I wish you success and fulfilment in your future careers, and I hope that you all enjoy the rest of this memorable day.

Thank You.