Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The numbers of applications received from 2002 to 2009 for retirement from the Garda Síochána are set out in the following table. The figures show that there was a significant increase in retirements in 2009. One factor in this may have been the three-year increase in the retirement age for members at the rank of garda in 2006, which had the effect of deferring some retirements until 2009. The rate of retirement has since slowed, with approximately 80 applications - a relatively low figure - for early retirement received so far this year. It must be remembered that there has been a considerable increase in Garda resources in recent years, with the number of attested gardaí rising from 11,895 at the end of 2002 and 13,755 at the end of 2007 to 14,547 at the end of 2009. The Deputies opposite will agree that there has been a substantial increase. Some 900 student gardaí became attested in 2009, which was almost double the number of gardaí who retired that year. There have been more attestations in 2010. There are over 2,000 civilian support staff in the Garda Síochána, which represents an increase of over 300 on the start of 2008.

While the moratorium on appointments and promotions applies generally to the Garda Síochána, I have continued to seek to obtain the sanction of the Minister for Finance for a number of promotions at all ranks. I recently secured agreement for the filling of 12 chief superintendent posts, 22 superintendent posts, 28 inspector posts and 120 sergeant posts. The Garda Commissioner is closely monitoring the level of Garda strength around the country, taking into account the level of retirements and recent attestations of students. I will continue to consult my colleague, the Minister for Finance, on the question of when a resumption of Garda recruitment will be necessary to keep Garda numbers at approved levels. My priority is to maintain Garda operational strength. A necessary step will be a competition to establish a panel of approved candidates. As I recently indicated, I believe this should take place later this year.

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