asked the Minister for Justice the total Garda force in January, 1973 and in January, 1977.
142.
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
141.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí at present deployed on border duty; and the percentage this represents of the present Garda force.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
The actual strength of the Garda Síochána on 1st January, 1973, was 7,441 and on 1st January, 1977, it was 8,464.
The number of gardaí stationed in Border areas varies from time to time but for security reasons I would prefer not to indicate the precise percentage of the Garda Síochána now serving in Border areas.