Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of women members of An Garda Síochána, at all ranks, at present; the degree to which, if any, the numbers have fluctuated over the past ten years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55449/23]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as of the 31 October 2023, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 3,952. This represents over 28% of total Garda strength. For context, this compares favourably with the total of 3,130, or 21.7%, on 31 December 2008.
For the Deputy's information the following table, as supplied to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the number of women in An Garda Síochána from the end of December 2014 up to the end of October 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
Year |
31/10/2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
Number |
3,952 |
3,986 |
3,949 |
3,983 |
3,863 |
3,759 |
3,592 |
3,392 |
3,324 |
3,306 |
As this table shows, the number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. I understand that 28% is above the European average.
I am also informed that over the past decade the number of female Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants has doubled in the organisation. The Deputy may also be interested to know that at the end of October 2023 the Senior Leadership Team of Assistant Commissioner and above is now 54% female.
In the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
