Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
237. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired in each of the past three years; and the number of these that were before the compulsory age of retirement from the force. [42957/19]
View answerRetirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by law, which sets the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 50 years of age once they have served at least 30 years and those who joined on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 55 years of age with 30 years service. Gardaí have the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60, subject to the Garda Commissioner being satisfied that they are fully competent and available to undertake their duties.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who retired in the last three years is as set out in the following table.
|
2019* (as of 16/10/19) |
2018 |
2017 |
|
181 |
218 |
226 |
I am further advised by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who retired before the compulsory age of retirement during the last three years is outlined in the following table. These figures include voluntary retirements and cost-neutral early retirements.
|
2019* (as of 16/10/19) |
2018 |
2017 |
|
130 |
178 |
173 |
I am advised by the Garda authorities that projected departures are kept under continuous review and that the level of recruitment is adjusted as necessary in order to maintain the desired strength.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. We currently have over 14,200 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,800 Garda staff. And as part of the Government’s plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, there is ongoing and increased recruitment both of new Gardaí as well as Garda staff.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána.
Since the reopening of the Garda Training College in 2014, approximately 2,800 new Garda members have attested and been assigned to front-line policing duties in communities throughout the country. Another 200 probationer Gardaí are due to attest by the end of this year. In addition to recruitment of additional Gardaí, the Commissioner has committed to further civilianisation to fill critical skills gaps and enable the further redeployment of Gardaí to front line duties.
The unprecedented funding of €1.882 billion provided to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2020 will also allow for the recruitment of up to 700 new Gardaí and additional Garda staff next year. The appropriate balance between Gardaí and Garda staff will be for the Garda Commissioner to determine, on the basis of operational need. The ongoing recruitment will provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible, effective and responsive policing service nationwide.
