Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in service on 1 January 2002; the number at present; the number who have retired to date in 2005; the number of these who have taken early retirement; the number currently on sick leave; if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient gardaí on the beat at difficult peak times to minimise unsocial behaviour in towns at night and maximise security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35611/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the force as at 1 January 2002 was 11,815, all ranks. I have been further informed that the personnel strength as at 19 November 2005 was 12,301, all ranks.

Garda authorities state that a total of 419 members, of all ranks, have resigned, retired or otherwise left the force between 1 January and 19 November 2005. Of these, 260 members, of all ranks, have taken voluntary retirement. Garda management has informed me that the number of gardaí unavailable for service due to illness, ill health, incapacity or otherwise on 19 November 2005 was 95, of all ranks. This figure relates to members on long-term sick leave who have not been available for duty for more than 183 days on 19 November 2005.

Garda management has further informed me that the numbers of Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible policing service is provided to combat crime and unsocial behaviour.

In regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. In this regard, a total of 1,125 trainee gardaí were inducted into the Garda college to commence training during 2005. This will lead to a combined strength of both attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of 2006. A further 2,200 student gardaí will be recruited in 2006 and 2007, that is, 1,100 in each of those years.