Garda Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2004

Tuesday, 1 June 2004

Questions (325)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

344 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of women members of the Garda Síochána; the extent to which this number has increased or decreased in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/04]

Written answers

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

The personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, all ranks, on 28 May 2004 was 11,964. Of this figure, 1,888 are female. The total number of female members of the Garda Síochána in May 1999 was 1,120, all ranks. This represents an increase of 768, or 68.6%, in the number of female gardaí serving in the Garda Síochána.