Vol. 572 No. 4
108 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total membership of the Garda at the latest date for which figures are available; the progress made to date with regard to the commitment to recruit an additional 2,000 gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23354/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength for all ranks of the Garda Síochána, as at 13 October 2003, stands at 11,908.
I am prioritising Garda recruitment and training to bring the strength of the force up to its maximum authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible. To this end, a new Garda recruitment competition is under way. A total of 690 Garda trainees were admitted to the Garda Training College this year. The Garda Commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that this level of recruitment will result in the maximum authorised strength of 12,200 being achieved during 2004.
The Government remains committed to achieving its objective of an increase of 2,000 in the strength of the force as soon as budgetary and public service number considerations permit.
