asked the Minister for Justice when his Department intends advertising for the recruitment of Ban Gardaí.
78.
Written Answers - Garda Recruitment.
75.
asked the Minister for Justice when recruitment will commence in 1988 for the Garda Síochána; the number who are on the waiting list at present to be called for training; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 78 together.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 25 November, a decision has not yet been taken as to when the next Garda recruitment competition will be held, but as soon as a date has been decided details will be announced in the newspapers. The competition will be open to both men and women.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that about 20 candidates remaining from the last competition will be medically examined shortly and that, if they meet the entry requirements, the question of their appointment to the force early in 1988 will be further considered.