Seán Haughey
Question:418 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures for the recruitment of new Garda; when more gardaí will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20201/04]
View answerTuesday, 6 July 2004
Questions (385, 386)
Paul Kehoe
Question:429 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to recruit persons the to Gardaí; if so, the number that will be taken on; and when interviews will be held. [20500/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 429 together.
In April 2000, the Government agreed, inter alia, to a system of delegated authority under which recruitment is carried out to maintain the strength of the Garda Síochána at an agreed level. Recruitment to the Garda Síochána is processed by the Civil Service Commission on behalf of the Garda Síochána. Recruitment competitions for entrance to the Garda Síochána are advertised in the national newspapers and on the Garda website — www.garda.ie. The Civil Service Commission is currently interviewing candidates from the 2003 competition for Garda trainees.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána — all ranks — as at 2 July 2004 is 12,095. The current maximum authorised strength of the Garda Síochána is 12,200 and recruitment of Garda trainees has taken place to allow this target to be achieved in the current year. Recruitment is ongoing with a view to ensuring that the maximum authorised strength of the force will be maintained. As soon as I have reached a decision on the matter I will inform both the applicant and the Deputy of the outcome.