Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
550. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of women currently serving in An Garda Síochána; the extent to which these numbers have fluctuated in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34360/23]
View answerI am informed by the Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as of the 31 May 2023, the latest date for which figures are currently available was 3,945 or 28% of total Garda strength. For context, this compares favourably with the total of 3,130 or 21.7% of the total strength on 31 December 2008.
For the Deputy's information the following table, as supplied to me by the Commissioner, sets out the number of women in An Garda Síochána from end December 2014 up to end May 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
Year |
31/05/2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
Number |
3,945 |
3,986 |
3,949 |
3,983 |
3,863 |
3,759 |
3,592 |
3,392 |
3,324 |
3,306 |
As this table shows, the number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. This is particularly so in the last decade when the percentage of women in An Garda Síochána has risen from 18.5% in 2006 to 28% today. I understand that this is above the European average. In the same period, I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of female superintendents, inspectors and sergeants has doubled in the organisation. The Deputy may also wish to be aware that at the end of May 2023 the Senior Leadership Team of Assistant Commissioner and above is now 54% female.
In the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
