Vol. 572 No. 4
207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the targets set in the programme for Government in respect of Garda strength have been achieved to date; when he expects to achieve the objective set in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23648/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 13 October 2003 is 11,908. I am prioritising Garda recruitment and training to bring the strength of the force up to its maximum authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible. To this end, a new Garda recruitment competition is under way. A total of 690 Garda trainees were admitted to the Garda college this year. The Commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004. The Government remains committed to achieving its objective of an increase of 2,000 in the strength of the force as soon as budgetary and public service number considerations permit.
