Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total 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 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 were recruited in the first half of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35383/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, on the latest date for which figures are available, the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 14,615. This figure includes 400 probationer Gardaí who have been attested and will graduate over the next six months. On that date there were also 9 unattested students in training. In relation to retirements, 236 members of the Force have so far either left the force or declared their intention to retire during 2010.

An Garda Síochána is of course subject to the moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the public service and the purpose of the present Garda recruitment campaign is to establish a panel of approved candidates who will be available to meet Garda recruitment needs in the future. Applicants who are currently on a panel and have gone through the medical, physical and character vetting procedures, and are available, will be offered positions as Garda Trainees, in strict order of where they were placed on the panel, upon the resumption of recruitment.