Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2008
33 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of An Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available broken down by full members, those who have attested but not yet concluded their training, those in training and the expected number that will be recruited during 2009; the anticipated numbers at each category at the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40169/08]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána on 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,284.
The number of students in training as of 30th September 2008 is as follows:
Phase I: 282
Phase II: 561
Phase III: 231
Phase IV: 831
Phase V: 273
I should point out that members in Phase IV and V are fully attested members and are accounted for in the total strength of the Force. On 30 September 2008 there were 1,074 students on Phases I – III of the training programme. It is expected that approximately 1,000 students will complete their Phase V training during 2009 and it is also expected that some 840 students will be attested in 2009.
Recruitment to the Garda Síochána will continue with approximately 400 recruits joining the force by the end of 2009. The projected strength of the force at the end of 2009 is 14,900.
