Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:47 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to recruit additional gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18410/96]
Written Answers. - Garda Strength.
Brian Lenihan
Ceist:48 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí as of 1 January 1994, 1 January 1995, 1 January 1996 and as of today's date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18420/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The total number of serving gardaí (all ranks) on the dates referred to by the Deputy are as follows: 1 January 1994 — 10,892; 1 January 1995 — 10,837; 1 January 1996 — 10,825 and 11 October 1996 — 10,798. There are at present 418 trainee gardaí in phases 1, 2 and 3 of the current training programme for gardaí. These trainee gardaí are not included in the above figures.
The current Garda recruitment competition covers the period 1995 to 1997, inclusive, and provides for the recruitment of a total of 1,050 new gardaí over that period. One of the main elements of the anti-crime measures which I announced in July of this year was the recruitment of a further additional 400 gardaí to the force over the period July 1996 to October 1997. When both campaigns have been completed, towards the end of 1997, the total additional recruitment over the 1995-97 period will have been 1,450. The anti-crime package approved in July also provided for the recruitment of an additional 200 civilians to facilitate the release of an equivalent number of gardaí for operational duties.
I am confident that all these measures will maintain the strength of An Garda Síochána at a level sufficient to meet the changing needs of our society.