Garda Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2010

Wednesday, 17 November 2010

Ceisteanna (31)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

63 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total strength of the Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available broken down by full members, those who have attested but not yet concluded their training; those in training; the expected number that will be recruited during 2010; the total number of members of the force who are expected to retire during 2010; the total number who were recruited in the first half of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43015/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 30 September 2010, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,600. The number of attested Gardaí on probation and at Phase IV of their Student/Probationer training on 30 September 2010 was 400. This figure is included in the overall strength of the force quoted above. It is anticipated that these Probationer Gardaí, together with the remaining student Gardaí (6 in total) will complete their training in the coming months.

I have been further informed by the Garda Commissioner that a total of 360 members of An Garda Síochána have either retired or have applied to retire from 01 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

The general moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the Public Service continues to apply to An Garda Síochána and no recruitment into An Garda Síochána has taken place since its introduction.