Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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357. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current strength of An Garda Síochána, male and female; her plans to further increase the strength of the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42809/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total strength of An Garda Síochána as at 30 November 2020, the latest date for which figures are currently available, is 14,519. Of this total, 10,535 are male and 3,984 are female. These Garda members are supporting by over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.

As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. To this end, Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff.