Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total strength of An Garda Siochana, at all ranks, male and female; the extent to which it is expected to maintain present levels of policing and strength even in the current difficult economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39594/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 July 2012, the break down of An Garda Síochána, by rank and gender, was as set out in the table below. These resources are augmented with 911 Garda Reserves and over 2,000 civilians.

As the Deputy will be aware, public expenditure must be reduced to a sustainable level. This means, among other things, reducing expenditure on public service pay, whether by reducing headcount or otherwise. This is particularly so in those public service bodies where pay forms an especially large part of overall expenditure, such as the Garda Síochána where 90% of expenditure is on pay and pensions. The current and projected Garda budgets will therefore necessitate a significant reduction in Garda expenditure. This will undoubtedly require further reductions in Garda numbers. This has been well known for some time, dating right back to when the last Government was in office and the question of exact level of the reductions required will depend on the potential for alternative savings which could mitigate the scale of the reduction in head count required. In this context, the Department of Justice and Equality is engaging in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and it would not be appropriate to comment further on this at this point in time.