Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí on the beat; the ratio of members of the force per 1,000 of the population; the way in which this figure compares with other EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15397/99]

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

The Garda authorities have advised that the total strength of An Garda Síochána as of 31 May 1999 is 11,181. There are 8,825 gardaí and 1,865 sergeants who could, on operational duties, be required to perform beat/patrol duties. These figures include gardai and sergeants currently employed on detective and administrative duties. It is a matter for the Commissioner to decide on a day to day basis the detailed deployment of the resources available to him, taking into account operational considerations.

The Garda authorities have also advised that An Garda Siochána has a Garda to population ratio of 1:328 and that the most up to date statis tics for other EU countries are as set out on the next page. It is necessary to bear in mind, in looking at comparative police population ratios, that in some jurisdictions police-type services may be carried out by separate agencies, for example, in relation to security matters. Straightforward police population figures, therefore, need to be treated with some caution as indicators of the proportionate numbers engaged in law enforcement duties in different jurisdictions.

Greece	1:222
Portugal	1:228
Italy	1:239
France	1:253
Austria	1:287
Spain	1:309
Belgium	1:312
Luxembourg	1:354
Germany	1:367
U.K.	1:372
Sweden	1:500
Netherlands	1:503
Denmark	1:522
Finland	1:600