Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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663. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired or left the force in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [38540/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age.

Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. A member has the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60 years of age subject to the Garda Commissioner being satisfied that the member is fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties of his or her position as a member of the Garda Síochána.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.

This plan is well on course to be achieved. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.

I can assure the Deputy that projected departures from An Garda Síochána are kept under continuing review and the level of recruitment adjusted as necessary in order to achieve the desired strength.

The following table details the number of members who retired or left An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and 2017 as of 6 September 2017 as supplied by the Commissioner. These figures include Voluntary, Compulsory, Cost Neutral Early Retirement, Resignations, Deaths, Dismissals and Medical Discharges.