Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Noel Treacy

Question:

201 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Justice when she proposes to proceed with another recruiting campaign for admission to the Garda Síochána; the number of student gardaí which she proposes to enlist in 1997 and subsequent years; the current strength of the force; the official required strength of the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3030/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The current recruitment competition covers the period 1994 to 1997 inclusive. It is expected that there will be a competition during 1997 to provide for continued recruitment from 1998 onwards. A total of 600 trainees are scheduled to be admitted to the Garda College this year. The level of annual student intakes from 1998 is a matter for decision by the Government to whom I will shortly submit proposals concerning future recruitment.

The strength of the force on 3 February 1997 was 10,792 comprising all ranks. In addition to this number, there are 660 trainee gardaí in Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the current training programme for gardaí. One of the main elements of the anti-crime package 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. This accelerated recruitment is aimed at maintaining the strength of the force at approximately 11,000 members.