Cecilia Keaveney
Question:150 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of the Garda Force who are female; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12658/01]
Written Answers - Garda Strength.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 12% of the Garda Síochána, all ranks, is made up of females as at 1 May 2001.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the current numbers of males and females in the force is adequate to ensure that, where it is necessary, certain duties are performed by persons of a particular gender.
The Garda Síochána is an equal opportunities employer and the Commissioner is satisfied, in particular, that there are sufficient numbers of females applying for entry to the Garda Síochána and coming through the selection procedures to meet his requirements.