Gay Mitchell
Question:61 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number of female members of the Garda Síochána; if these are evenly distributed throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Female Garda Síochána Members.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 602 female members of the Garda Síochána and that approximately 21 per cent of all those now being recruited to the Garda, following success at the Civil Service Commission interview, are women. The Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda manpower to individual areas, assures me that he is satisfied with the present overall distribution of the Force, while at the same time ensuring there is an adequate distribution of female Gardaí available to deal with any particular situations where they may be required, such as dealing with female arrests, rape victims or sexual assault cases.