Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 100: 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 concluded their training and those in training; the expected number that will be recruited during 2009, the anticipated numbers at each above category at the end of 2009, the number of members of the force who are expected to retire during and the number who will be recruited in the first half of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21486/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of attested members of An Garda Síochána, as at the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,478. The number of recruits in training at Phases 1 to 3 at that date was 774. The number of probationer Gardaí who have been attested but have not yet graduated (i.e. not yet completed Phases 4 and 5) at that date was 831 and it is anticipated the majority of these probationers will complete their training in 2009. The Deputy should be aware that this figure of 831 is also included in the overall strength of the Force.

It is expected that of the 774 trainee Gardaí approximately 275 Gardai will become attested in June with the remainder (500) due to be attested over the next 12 months.

I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that 178 members of the Garda Síochána have voluntarily retired in the first four months of this year. Clearly the rate of early retirements is increasing compared to previous years, but equally it is not possible to predict with certainty the number of retirements for the full year.

A total of 200 students were inducted into the Garda College in 2009, 100 in February and 100 in May, after which the moratorium on Public Service recruitment applies.