asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) thenumber of vacancies in the Garda Síochána; (b) the date of the next examination for recruitment; (c) the number of applications received for membership and (d) the standard of the examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
Mr. Boland
The following is the information asked for by the Deputy: (a), 747; (b), 7th July, 1953; (c) 543 applications were received from candidates who are prima facieeligible for appointment to the force; (d) sixth standard national school.
Did I hear the Minister correctly? I thought I heard him saying that the number of applicants was fewer than the number of vacancies.
Mr. Boland
The number of vacancies is 747. That is right. Of course, they are not filling them all. There are that many under the authorised strength. That is what that means. All the vacancies will not be filled. When the next batch comes, the force will still be under strength.
Would the Minister say whether in the past two years any applicant for membership of the Garda Síochána below 5 ft. 10 ins. in height was considered?
Mr. Boland
No. I understand in the last batch there was none under 5 ft. 10 ins. considered. This batch is from 5 ft. 9 ins. In the last batch there was none under 5 ft. 10 ins.
Considered?
Mr. Boland
No, not one.