asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of members in the gardaí in January, 1940, 1950, 1960 and 1970 and the establishment in each of these years.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Strength.
39.
The approved strength and the actual strength of the Garda Síochána, which, I presume, are what the Deputy has in mind were:—
|
On 1st January, 1940 |
7,519 and 7,068. |
|
On 1st January, 1950 |
7,318 and 7,166. |
|
On 1st January, 1960 |
6,900 and 6,514. |
|
On 1st January, 1970 |
6,560 and 6,514. |
Since there has apparently been a drop of nearly 1,000 in the strength of the force over a period of ten years——
The Deputy must not have heard the figures correctly. The actual strength of the force is exactly the same now as it was ten years ago.
The first figures the Minister gave were 7,519 and 7,068 and the last figure he gave was 6,514.
But that is over a period of 30 years, not ten.
That makes the matter much worse because that means 30 years ago there were nearly 1,000 more gardaí than there are today.
There were something like 520 more gardaí.
I shall leave the 500. In view of the fact that this morning's news gave evidence that over the last 12 months crime in the country has doubled, does the Minister not agree that there should be extra gardaí?
This morning's news did not say the amount of crime had doubled last year.
I am calling Question No. 40.
I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
We already have a question on the Adjournment today.
But the Chair has not made a decision on it yet. If that question is ruled out, I should like to raise this matter.
We have already decided on a question today.
I shall raise the matter on Tuesday.