Paul McGrath
Ceist:1385 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the Garda Síochana in each of the past five years; and his plans to expand this force. [16470/02]
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength of the Garda Síochána – all ranks – for the years ending 31 December 1997 to 31 December 2001 is set out in the following table.
|
Year ending 31 December |
Strength |
|
1997 |
10,968 |
|
1998 |
11,235 |
|
1999 |
11,458 |
|
2000 |
11,640 |
|
2001 |
11,815 |
I am also informed that the strength of the force as at 25 September 2002 is 11,921. An Agreed Programme for Government provides for a further increase in the strength of the force of 2,000.