Written answers

Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Strength

9:00 pm

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of trainee gardaí who will be recruited in the new recruitment campaign; the number of gardaí who have retired since the last group of trainees began training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28506/10]

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received during 2009 for early retirement from the members of the gardaí, broken down by rank; the way this compares with each year from 2002; the number of applications received in 2010 to date; if he is concerned at reports that a significant number of senior gardaí are planning to take early retirement; the implications of such retirements for policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28349/10]

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total strength of the Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures area 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 2010, the total anticipated numbers at each above category at the end of 2010, the total number of members of the force who are expected to retire during 2010, the total number who will be recruited in the first half of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28352/10]

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the 170 Garda promotions, for which Cabinet approval has been granted to fill vacancies arising from the many retirements now being experienced by the force, that have taken place; when he expects this process to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28365/10]

Photo of Ulick BurkeUlick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda of all ranks who have retired since the beginning of 2010; the number of appointments made in County Galway during the same period; and the current total number at all levels now within the Garda division. [28584/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 67, 83, 84 and 177 together.

The number of applications for retirement received from 2002 to 2009 and to-date in 2010 in An Garda Síochána are set out in the table. While there was a significant increase in retirements in 2009, the rate of retirement has since slowed, with some 61 applications for early retirement received so far this year.

The strength of An Garda Síochána as of 31st May 2010, the latest date on which figures are readily available was 14,571. There has been a very considerable increase in Garda resources in recent years, with the number of attested members rising from 11,895 at the end of 2002, to 13,755 at the end of 2007 and, currently to 14,571. Some 900 student Gardaí were attested in 2009 and there have been more attestations in 2010. There are now also over 2,100 civilian support staff (Whole Time Equivalent) in the Garda Síochána, an increase of over 300 compared to the start of 2008. There are also some 555 Garda Reserve members in the Force with an additional 83 due to be attested in the coming days.

While the moratorium on appointments and promotions applies generally to the Garda Síochána, there have been 227 promotions so far in An Garda Síochána this year and there are currently competitions being held for the promotion of Chief Superintendent to the rank of Assistant Commissioner and Sergeant to the rank of Inspector, which are expected to be finalised shortly.

When Garda trainees are recruited into the Garda college will depend on the level of Garda retirements. The objective will be to recruit sufficient numbers of trainees so as to maintain Garda strength at the approved level.

With specific regard to Galway Garda Division, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of that Division as at 31 December 2009 and 31 May 2010 was 600 and 602 respectively.

Maintaining the operational strength of An Garda Síochána at the approved level is my absolute priority, and I am very pleased that we are making the necessary preparations now in holding a recruitment competition so that this policy can be sustained into the future.

Applications for early retirement from the Garda Síochána

YearA/CommissionerC/SuptSuptInspSgtGdaTOTAL
200226948169234
20031640205252
200424666245323
2005281062202284
200638954164238
20077636128177
20081121352174243
20091142529177474720
31/05/20102154461

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