Garda Retirement.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 January 2010

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Questions (304)

Noel Coonan

Question:

385 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Síochána who have received early retirement nationally and in north Tipperary since the supplementary budget in April 2009; the ranks and position of those who have left the force; if their positions have been filled; the number of members of the force operating at present in north Tipperary; the number of gardaí currently in training; when the next batch of students will enter the Garda College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3506/10]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 714 members voluntarily retired from the Force during 2009. The number of Gardaí by rank, who retired from the Tipperary Garda Division from the 1 April 2009 to the 31 December 2009 and the personnel strength of the Tipperary Garda Division as at 31 December 2008 and 2009 was as set out hereunder. I am further informed that as of 31 December 2009 there was a total of 1,199 personnel at various stages of their training from students through to attested probationers.

Retirements 1/4/09 – 31/12/09	C/Supt	Supt	Insp	Sgt	Garda
	—	—	1	3	8

Garda Strength	C/Supt	Supt	Insp	Sgt	Garda
2008	1	7	6	66	304
2009	1	7	5	63	395

The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.