Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Recruits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

59 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to increase the level of recruitment to the Garda Síochána; the degree to which the strength of the force will increase before the end of 1997 arising directly from measures he has taken since assuming office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17061/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to increase Garda numbers to bring the total strength of the force to 12,000. My proposal is to achieve this over a period of five years. The intake of additional recruits to meet this target will commence early next year. It never was, and could not have been, envisaged that the attested strength of the Force would rise before the end of 1997.