asked the Minister for Justice if recruiting has yet started to increase the Garda force; and, if so, when the extra gardaí will be available for duty in Dublin.
86.
Written Answers. - Garda Recruiting.
85.
asked the Minister for Justice the proportion of the new intake into the Garda Síochána which it is proposed to allocate to Dublin for extra patrols on the beat.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
Recruitment of gardaí to increase the strength of the force by 500 will commence as soon as possible. It will be necessary for the Civil Service Commissioners to arrange for the holding of a competition and it is likely to be a few months before recruits are available from it. Recruitment from the last competition is continuing but the number of successful candidates in that competition still to be appointed will be matched by expected retirements from the force.
The needs of all areas including the Dublin area, will of course be borne in mind in the allocation of the additional members but no decisions have yet been taken on the allocation.