Vol. 575 No. 3
97 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recruits who have graduated from the Garda Training College as full Garda members since 6 June 2003; the number of gardaí who have retired, resigned or otherwise left the force since 6 June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28253/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that 236 recruits have graduated from the Garda college since 6 June 2003. Garda trainees are attested to the force on successful completion of phase three of their training. On attestation, Garda trainees are counted as serving members of the force. Graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training. The strength, therefore, of the force at any given time includes those who have been attested following completion of phase 3 of their training but have not yet graduated.
As at 20 November 2003, a total of 620 members, all ranks, have resigned, retired or otherwise left the force since 6 June 2002.
