Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of An Garda Síochána who have received early retirement nationally and in North Tipperary since the 7 April 2009 supplementary Budget; the ranks and position of those who have left the force; if their positions have been filled; the number of members of the force operating at present in North Tipperary; the number of gardaí currently in training; when the next batch of recruits will enter the Garda College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26092/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí, by rank, who have voluntarily retired from the Force in the months of April and May was as set out in the table hereunder:

I have written to the Garda Commissioner in relation the information regarding retirements in the Tipperary Garda Division and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.

The personnel strength of An Garda Síochána as at the latest date for which figures are readily available was 15,360 (14,426 attested members and 874 students in phases I-III). The strength of Tipperary Garda Division was 387 and 13 Reserve Gardaí.

The allocation of policing resources throughout the Country, including personnel, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda Officers. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed and this ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

As the Minister for Finance has made clear, the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. By its nature, it does not apply to the Garda Reserve, whose members are unpaid volunteers who do not occupy public service posts.

The moratorium is due to remain in place until the end of 2010, and can only be deviated from in exceptional circumstances with the consent of the Minister for Finance.