Matt Brennan
Question:59 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the force to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2138/97]
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
The strength of the force on 23 January 1997 was 10,801 comprising all ranks. There are also 661 trainee gardaí in phases 1, 2 and 3 of the current training programme for gardaí. These trainee gardaí are not included in the above figures.
One of the main elements of the anti-crime measures which I announced in July of last year was the recruitment of 400 gardaí to the force over the period July 1996 to October 1997 in addition to the planned recruitment of 350 each year from 1995 to 1997 bringing the total recruitment to 1,450 during this period.
The anti-crime package approved in July 1996 provided for the recruitment of an additional 200 civilians to facilitate the release of an equivalent number of gardaí for operational duties.
I am confident that these measures will enable the operational strength of the Garda Síochána to be maintained at a sufficient level to meet all policing needs.