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Gnáthamharc

Garda Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2004

Wednesday, 25 February 2004

Ceisteanna (142)

John Deasy

Ceist:

229 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the force at 1 January 2003; the number who are expected to join the force during 2004 and the number who will be retiring; the estimated numbers in the force at 31 December 2004; and if he expects the force to reach its projected target of 12,200 by the end of 2004. [6386/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, all ranks, as at 1 January 2003 was 11,895.

In April 2000 the Government agreed, inter alia, to a system of delegated authority under which recruitment is carried out to maintain the strength of the force at an agreed level. In April 2002 the Government agreed to increase the approved strength of the force by 200 to 12,200.

A total of 115 gardaí, all ranks, are due to retire from the force on compulsory age grounds in 2004. In addition, the Commissioner has projected that a total of 342 trainees are required to meet the demand created by compulsory retirements and projected voluntary retirements and other discharges for 2004. However, he cautions that all projections are based on variables and are therefore subject to change. The matter of voluntary retirements will be closely monitored, particularly in the early months of this year when historically a higher number of applications are received.

Some 690 Garda trainees were taken into the Garda college during 2003. The Commissioner has projected, based on the anticipated rate of retirement, that the maximum authorised force strength of 12,200 will be achieved during 2004.

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