Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
763. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his preferred options in respect of the strength of An Garda Síochána over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46238/13]
View answerMy objective is to maintain Garda strength at the level of 13,000 members, and in that context I have secured the approval of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, for a recruitment competition for the Garda Síochána. There are a number of procedural issues that need to be finalised prior to the formal commencement of that competition and these are expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with the first students entering the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, in mid-2014.
