Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí at the latest date for which figures are available; the number expected to be recruited during 2005; the number of recruits who have graduated from the Garda Training College as full Garda members since 6 June 2002; the number of gardaí who have retired, resigned or otherwise left the force since 6 June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21455/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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 as at 22 June 2005 was 12,186 — all ranks.

It is proposed to induct approximately 1,100 Garda students to the Garda College in 2005, consisting of four intakes of approximately 275 students. The first of these four intakes — 275 — commenced training on 7 February 2005. The second of these four intakes — 275 — commenced training on 3 May 2005. The remaining two intakes are scheduled to commence training on 2 August 2005 and 7 November 2005, respectively.

I am further advised that between 6 June 2002 and 22 June 2005 a total of 1,570 members have graduated from the Garda College; a total of 1,343 members — all ranks — have resigned, retired or otherwise left the Garda Síochána; and a total of 1,882 members have been attested to the Garda Síochána.

Garda trainees are attested to the force on successful completion of phase three of their training. On attestation, Garda trainees become serving members of the force. Thus the serving strength of the force at any given time includes those who have been attested following completion of phase three of their training but have not yet formally graduated — formal graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training. The strength of the force has therefore increased by 539 members since June 2002.