I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, all ranks, as at 1 January 2003 was 11,895.
A total of 417 members, all ranks, have resigned, retired or otherwise left the Garda Síochána during 2003.
A total of 475 recruits graduated from the Garda College during 2003. This figure of 475are those members who have successfully completed the student-probationer education-training programme.
The strength of the force at any given time includes those who have been attested following completion of phase three of their training but not yet graduated. Graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training. The strength of the force as at 1 January 2004 was 12,017.