asked the Minister for Justice the total ratio of gardaí to the population in the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Ratio.
69.
The ratio between current Garda strength and the population of the State as shown by the last census is 1 to 428 approximately.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if that is an increase on the ratio in previous years?
I cannot say, but the ratio will be reduced as a result of the recent recruitment drive.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if the ratio is satisfactory having regard to the steep increase in the incidence of crime revealed in the recent report of the Commissioner?
I can only say the ratio is lower than that for policemen to population in England, and having regard to the urban structures and the crime rate in England it is better than over there.
70.
asked the Minister for Justice the ratio of detectives in the Garda force to crimes committed.
Since the great majority of crimes are dealt with by uniformed members of the force, it seems to me that the publication of a ratio between detective strength and crime figures could only mislead.
The number of indictable crimes is of the order of 38,000 yearly at present. The number of detectives is a little over 600.