Ivor Callely
Ceist:351 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána; the likely recruitment over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14993/99]
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
The present strength of the Garda Síochána is around 11,200.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the strength of the force to a record 12,000. It is planned to achieve this over the lifetime of the Government.
I recently announced that the Government has approved my proposals for a new Garda recruitment competition and the recruitment of 500 Garda trainees in the year 2000. This follows two previous decisions of this Government to recruit 550 trainees in each of the years 1998 and 1999.
The need for further recruitment beyond the year 2000 in order to meet the Government commitment will be kept under review in my Department and any proposals in this regard will be a matter for consideration by the Government in due course.