I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a number of members of the Garda have worked previously in other police forces. However, the exact number is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda resources relative to the information required. Entrance to the Garda is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admission and Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended. In addition, section 2 of the Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Act 2003 provides that the Government may appoint members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to such ranks in the Garda Síochána not below superintendent, as may be prescribed.