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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Questions (323)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the strength of An Garda Síochána at present; the number of gardaí due to retire in each of the next five years; the level of recruitment likely in the same period; the extent to which recruitment levels are likely to be sufficient to replenish the strength of the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37109/21]

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Written answers

I have requested the information from An Garda Síochána to answer the Deputy's question, but this was not available in time.

I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 8 July 2021 where you sought the strength of An Garda Síochána at present; the number of Gardaí due to retire in each of the next five years; the level of recruitment likely in the same period; the extent to which recruitment levels are likely to be sufficient to replenish the strength of the force.
As you will recall, it was not possible to obtain the information in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
As you are aware, retirement 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 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.
The Garda authorities also advise that at 30 June 2021 there are 14,462 Gardaí and 459 Garda reserve members. Recruitment, which had to be paused due to the pandemic, has recently recommenced with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May, the first of four intakes and a revised planned total of 450 for 2021. However, 2021 intake numbers will be reviewed going forward, in particular with progress against COVID-19 and the vaccination rollout.
The remaining scheduled commencement dates, subject to public health restrictions, are 19 July 2021, 20 September 2021 and 15 November 2021. Garda recruitment for 2022 will be determined as part of the 2022 Estimates process.
The table below, as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets the number of Garda members by rank who have retired or submitted their application to retire or are compulsory retirements in 2021 as of the 2 July 2021 to year end. These figures include voluntary retirements, compulsory retirements, cost neutral early retirements, resignations, medical discharges, dismissals and deaths in service. Also enclosed is a table outlining the number of Garda Members who are due to retire on a compulsory basis in 2022 to 2025.
Additional information on Garda staff, the Garda Workforce and other facts and figures are available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
I trust that this information is of assistance.
Appendix
The number of Garda members by rank who have retired or submitted their application to retire or are compulsory retirements in 2021 as of the 2 July 2021 to year end.

Com

D/Com

AC

C/Supt

Supt

Insp.

Sgt

Garda

Total

2021

0

1

0

4

8

13

76

185

287

Total

0

1

0

4

8

13

76

185

287

*These figures include voluntary retirements, compulsory retirements, cost neutral early retirements, resignations, medical discharges, dismissals and deaths in service.
Compulsory Retirements in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

Com

D/Com

AC

C/Supt

Supt

Insp.

Sgt

Garda

Total

2022

0

1

4

6

12

16

49

74

162

2023

0

0

2

9

15

18

54

84

182

2024

0

0

0

6

15

18

49

100

188

2025

0

0

1

1

4

8

25

47

86

Total

0

1

7

22

46

60

177

305

618

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