Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next intake of students into Templemore will be; when the next graduation will be; the number of students he expects will be concerned in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15768/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 December, 2006, as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the next intake of Garda recruits to enter the Garda College, Templemore, will take place on Tuesday, 8 May, 2007. It is anticipated that 275 Garda recruits will enter the Garda College on that date. There is a graduation ceremony taking place today and it is anticipated that 254 Probationer Gardaí will graduate. The next graduation is to take place on 26 July, 2007. Figures for this graduation will not be available until closer to the date.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the most up to date figure for the number of fully attested members of An Garda Síochána; the number of students in Templemore; the number of fully-trained members of the Garda Reserve; and the number of trainee Gardaí. [15769/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána on 24 April 2007, including recruits in training was 14,234 of which 13,158 had completed all five stages of training. I have also been informed that the total number of Garda trainees in the Garda College, Templemore, on 24 April, 2007 was 495. This figure is comprised of 230 Phase 1 Student Gardaí and 265 Phase 3 Student Gardaí. The total number of Gardaí trainees on 24 April, 2007 was 1,076. This figure is comprised of 230 Phase 1 Student Gardaí, 581 Phase 2 Student Gardaí and 265 Phase 3 Student Gardaí.

There are currently 36 fully operational Garda Reserve members. Two further groups consisting of 86 trainees are continuing their training programme and will be formally attested in May and June of this year. Further groups of Reserve trainees will commence training every four to six weeks with the next group commencing this coming Saturday, 28th April 2007.