Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Strength.

John Gormley

Question:

285 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the concerns, if any, he has about the dramatic decline in the number of applicants for the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13426/00]

John Gormley

Question:

286 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he can confirm that there has been a 65% decline between 1994-99 in the number of applicants to the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13427/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.

The table below details the number of applicants for the Garda Síochána in the last four recruitment programmes.

Year	Number of applicants
1994	15,202
1997	11,725
1998	6,400
1999	5,287

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently overseeing one of the most significant and sustained Garda recruitment campaigns in the history of the force in order that the target set by this Government of a total Garda strength of 12,000 is achieved by 2002.

In order to reach this target, it is now necessary to hold a recruitment competition every year or so whereas previously it was only necessary to hold a Garda recruitment competition approximately every three years. As such, there is now no longer an opportunity for a reservoir of candidates to be built up.

It is important to state that we have not experienced any difficulties to date in obtaining sufficient applicants to meet requirements. I can assure the Deputy that there has been no fall off in the standard of applicants.