Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of Garda currently in the force; the number of retirements due by the end of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46537/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of 30 September 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 13,159 Garda members, 1,129 Garda Reserves and just over 2,000 civilian support staff in the Garda Síochána.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of these personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts, the various Garda national units and of course Garda Headquarters. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

So far in 2013, up to 30 September, the number of Gardaí who have retired, resigned or been medically discharged is 256. A further 55 have so far declared their intention to retire during the remainder of 2013.