Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Personnel Levels.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

222 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the Garda personnel levels in each of the years 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1995; the ratio of Garda per head of population in 1965; the comparative figure for 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6980/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda personnel levels for each of the years requested by the Deputy are as follows:

Strength at 31 December

Year	Strength
1965	6,548
1975	8,473
1985	11,386*
1995	10,825
	(+455 in training on 31/12/95)

*I should point out that prior to 1989 Garda recruits were included in the overall strength figures. Since April 1989, with the introduction of the two year training programme for recruits, only those members who have been attested to the Force i.e. completed phase three of training, are included in the overall strength of the Force. There were 455 recruits in phases one, two and three of training on 31 December 1995. These recruits are not included in the ratio calculations.

The police to population ratio in 1965 was 1:430 compared to 1:326 in 1995. These figures are based on the population census for 1961 and 1991.