Garda Recruitment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 March 2010

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

Ceisteanna (253)

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

297 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects there will be further recruitment to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10377/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service currently applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. The strength of sworn members of An Garda Síochána on the last day for which figures are readily available was 14,547 with an additional 232 students in training. I am keeping the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance with a view to maintaining Garda operational strength at the highest possible level.