Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
371 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of garda recruits to be called for training in 2004 and expected to be called in 2005 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7515/04]
View answerIn April 2000, the Government agreed, inter alia, to a system of delegated authority under which recruitment is carried out to maintain the strength of the force at an agreed level. In April 2002, the Government agreed to increase the approved strength of the force by 200 to 12,200. A total of 690 Garda trainees were taken into the Garda college during 2003. 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.
In addition, the commissioner has projected that a total of 368 trainees are required to meet the demand created by compulsory retirements and projected voluntary retirements and other discharges for 2004. However, he cautions that all projections are based on variables and are therefore subject to change. The matter of voluntary retirements will be closely monitored, particularly in the early months of this year when historically a higher number of applications are received. At this stage it is not possible to indicate the number of trainees that will be required to recruited in 2005 to maintain the strength of the force at the approved level of 12,200.
