Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available; the number expected to be recruited in 2005; the anticipated membership at the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35722/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 19 November 2005 was 12,301 — all ranks. I am further informed that a total of 1,125 trainee gardaí were inducted into the Garda college to commence training during 2005. It is anticipated that a further 1,100 student gardaí will be recruited to the Garda Síochána in each of the years 2006 and 2007. The following table sets out the projected strength of the force as announced by me in October 2004.

In relation 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. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Garda Síochána will be fully considered.