Jack Wall
Ceist:668 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new Garda recruits in each of the years from 1997 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/00]
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 12,000. The intention is to achieve this target by the end of 2002. The current strength of the force is 11,458.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of trainees recruited to the Garda college in each of the years 1997 to 1999, inclusive, is as follows: 1997, 616; 1998, 551; 1999, 550.