Garda numbers

It was the number one promise in the 2002 Programme for Government — increase garda numbers by 2,000.

Did it deliver? The short answer is No, but it should be reached next year.

The force stood at 11,895 in 2002. As of 14 March 2007, the strength stands at 13,178, an increase of 1,283. The Tánaiste says the combined strength (including student gardaí) stands at 14,258.