Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 April 2008
36 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made with regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 by 2010 and 16,000 by 2012; if he is satisfied that these targets will be met; the strength of the Force as of 1 June 2007 and at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14071/08]
View answerThe accelerated intake of 1,100 Garda recruits per annum is on course to meet the Government's recruitment target.
The personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána on 31 May 2007 was 13,140 with a further 1,349 recruits in training making a combined strength of 14,489.
As of 31 March 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 13,900 fully attested members of An Garda Síochána with a further 1,306 recruits in training. The combined strength of the Force, including recruits in training, on that date was 15,206.
