Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available broken down by full members, those who have attested but not concluded their training, those in training, the expected number who will be recruited during 2009, the anticipated number at each category at the end of 2009, the number of members of the force who are expected to retire during 2009 and the number who will be recruited in the first half of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/09]

Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers in the Garda Síochána, both those who are fully trained and attached to various stations and those in training; the numbers that will be admitted into training in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15731/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 476 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of attested members of An Garda Síochána on 28th February 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,371. The number of recruits in training (Phases 1 to 3) at that date was 1,043. The number of probationer Gardaí who have been attested but have not yet graduated (ie not yet completed Phases 4 and 5) at that date was 825 and it is anticipated the majority of these probationers will complete their training in 2009. This figure is included in the overall strength of the Force as at 28 February 2009. It is expected that approximately 945 Gardai will complete Phase 3 of their training during 2009.

In relation to retirements, it is anticipated that approximately 400 members of An Garda Síochána will retire in 2009 which, coupled with the existing strength and future attestations, will result in an estimated attested strength in An Garda Síochána of over 14,900 on 31 December 2009.

100 Students were inducted into the College in February and it is anticipated that a further 100 will be inducted in early May.