Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Strength.

Dan Boyle

Question:

98 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the strength of the Garda Síochána only grew by 80 members in 2002, and is only expected to grow by 116 members in 2003 whereas in the previous five years the force increased by an average of over 200 members per year. [28308/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí employed as at 31 December of each of the past three years is set out hereunder.

Year	Strength
2000	11,640
2001	11,815
2002	11,895

It is estimated that the strength of the force at 31 December 2003 will be approximately 12,011 and 12,200 at 31 December 2004. The increase in the strength of the force is obtained by adding the number of trainees who have been attested to the force less those who have resigned, retired or otherwise left the force in any given year. In 2001, 402 trainees were attested and 322 members left the force. In 2002, 486 trainees were attested and 406 members left the force. It is anticipated that the number of trainees to become attested members in 2003 will exceed the number who will leave the force by approximately 116.

It is my policy, as the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and that of the Government to bring the strength of the force up to its maximum authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible by making maximum use of the existing capacity of the Garda Training College at Templemore. A total of 690 Garda trainees have been taken into the Garda college during this year. The commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that the maximum authorised force strength of 12,200 will be achieved during 2004.