Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of An Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available broken down by full members, those who have attested but not yet concluded their training, those in training, the expected number that will be recruited during 2009 and the total anticipated numbers at each above category at the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46750/08]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for recruitment to An Garda Síochána during 2009; the number of new recruits who will be accepted per quarter during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46777/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 69 together.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the attested personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 30 November 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,445. In addition, on that date there were 945 student Gardaí in training who have yet to be attested. This means that, after allowing for anticipated retirements, there will be a significant net increase in 2009 in the attested strength of the Force.

The most recent intake of Garda students was last month, when 100 students were taken into the Garda College. A similar intake is planned for in February 2009. Calculations on the scale of future intakes will be made closer to the relevant time taking into account wider Government policy on the public service.