Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 854: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Gardaí as of 1 March in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27632/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 28 February, 2005 to 2008 the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was as follows:

While the figure for 28 February 2004 is not readily available, the personnel strength towards the end of February 2004 was 11,920.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day that the personnel strength may fluctuate due to, for example retirements. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account.