Vol. 541 No. 2
898 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a competition for recruitment to An Garda Síochána will be held; if it will be held before the end of 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21835/01]
In October 2000, the Government approved my proposals for a Garda recruitment competition and the recruitment of 500 garda trainees from that competition in 2001. This follows on from decisions to recruit 550 trainees in each of the years 1998 and 1999 and 500 trainees in 2000. The latest recruitment competition will fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government to increase the strength of the force to 12,000. The need for further recruitment is being kept under review in my Department and any proposals in this regard will be a matter for consideration by the Government in due course.
