asked the Minister for Justice the number of ban-ghardaí at present in the Garda Síochána; and if he intends to increase their number.
Written Answers. - Ban-Gharda Number.
357.
At present the total number of women in the force is 35, five of whom are ban-shairsintí and 30 are ban-ghardaí. It is intended to increase the strength of the Ban-Gharda unit to 60 when the results of the recent competition for entry to the Garda Síochána become available.