The Government's pledge to provide 2,000 extra gardaí would depend on the availability of resources, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said.
"We do not have the resources at present for the additional 2,000 gardaí, and that is why we have not been able to proceed with our commitment in the programme for government in that regard," said Ms Harney. "Clearly, it is resource-dependent."
She was replying to the Fine Gael spokesman on finance, Mr Richard Bruton, who asked for her response to the Government's "solemn commitment" on the issue.
He suggested that the promise was made "to get over the election period and cover the absence of a strategy to deal with a burgeoning problem of violent assault on our streets".
Ms Harney defended the Government's policy in curbing crime in response to criticism from Mr Bruton.
Mr Bruton referred to the "horrendous increase in violent assaults" occurring in Dublin daily. "Figures published during the week show a fivefold increase in violent assault in just two years," he added.
Ms Harney said data were now being recorded which had not been recorded in the past, adding that a number of Bills being introduced would greatly strengthen the powers of the Garda. Some of the measures should be of help as a large proportion of crime arose from overindulgence in alcohol and the combination of alcohol and drugs, she said.
"Since 1997 the Government has substantially increased resources in this area," she added. "There are an additional 1,100 gardaí and more than 1,200 new prison spaces. The Garda budget has increased by 60 per cent from under €600 million to €900 million annually. While I do not think it is a question of resources, I believe the new legislation will help the gardaí in their work."
Mr Bruton suggested that part of the problem relating to alcohol was the confusing approach from the Government on alcohol policy. "We often see Ministers photographed in pubs and other places of entertainment. The Government has extended the opening hours of public houses, and the availability of alcohol has been expanded at every opportunity," he added.
Ms Harney said that as somebody who was involved in the opening of licensed premises, she did not believe there was a contradiction between opening more facilities and responsible drinking. "We are not trying to stop people drinking or enjoying alcohol, we are trying to encourage responsible drinking," she added.
