asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for the Garda Síochána who will be called in 1976.
97.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Applicants.
96.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for the Garda Síochána; the length of time that some have been waiting; and when the applicants from 1975 will be called.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
Since 15th March, 1974, the closing date for entry for the last Garda Síochána entrance competition which was held in May, 1974, about 1,840 applications for entry to the force have been received by the Commissioner.
Vacancies in the force are being filled by the appointment of candidates who were successful at the last entrance competition and, as far as can be foreseen at this stage, the recruitment needs of the force up to September next will be met from the results of that competition.
The rate of intake of recruits depends on a number of factors and it is not possible to say precisely how many persons will be recruited between now and the end of the year. The estimate is that about 170 will be needed, of whom about 120 will be recruited on the results of the 1974 competition and a further 20 by special competitions for bandsmen and radio technicians.