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Garda Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Ceisteanna (407)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

504 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current strength of the Garda force; the restrictions on recruitment imposed by the bailout agreement; when he anticipates the next Garda recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total strength of An Garda Síochána on the 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 13,594.

As the Deputy is aware, the moratorium on Public Service recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will take into account the rate of retirements in the Garda Síochána and Government targets, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants. As a result, no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College or for the commencement of a recruitment competition.

In addition to this, what will ultimately determine the sustainable level of Garda numbers, and therefore establish when recruitment will recommence, is the level of budgetary provision that can be made for the Force, and the House will be conscious that difficult decisions will continue to have to be made, right across the public sector, in order to bring our public finances back into balance.

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