Phil Hogan
Question:631 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numerical strength of the Garda Síochána for each year 1997 to 2002 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9326/02]
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the total manpower strength of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 to 2001 is as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1997 |
10,968 |
|
1998 |
11,235 |
|
1999 |
11,458 |
|
2000 |
11,640 |
|
2001 |
11,815 |
Last November, I announced that I had approved the holding of a Garda recruitment competition early this year to recruit an additional 300 Garda trainees. This competition was recently advertised by the Civil Service Commission. Recruitment already under way will bring Garda strength up to an all-time record high of 12,000 by the end of 2002 and the recruitment of this additional 300 Garda trainees will ensure that Garda strength does not drop below this level.