asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have left the force since 1987; and also the number of gardaí at present in the force as compared with 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Statistics.
66.
The overall strength of the Garda Síochána on 31 March 1989 was 10,654, as compared with 11,109 on 31 December 1987 — a reduction of 455 or about 4 per cent. In that period 481 members of the Force died, retired, resigned, were discharged or went on career breaks, while 26 members returned from career breaks.
As has already been publicly announced, arrangements are in progress to recruit 1,000 Garda trainees over the period 1989 to 1991. At least 335 trainees will be taken on this year and training for the first 87 commenced on 3 April.