Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2010
209 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if successful candidates to join An Garda Síochána who have been called and have passed their medical and physical tests can be expected to be called for training; if so, when this is likely to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18669/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra219 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next recruitment round for An Garda Síochána will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18835/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra221 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when advertising will commence for the next intake of gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18865/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra225 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the most recent available figures relating to the strength of An Garda Síochána; his views on the consequences which the current moratorium on Garda recruitment may have on the force when replacing the numbers of gardaí retiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19034/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 219, 221 and 225 together.
At the latest date for which comprehensive figures are readily available, there were 14,523 fully attested members of An Garda Síochána with a further 229 recruits in training. The Garda Commissioner is closely monitoring the levels of Garda strength around the country, taking into account the level of retirements and recent attestions of student. I have consulted with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance on when a resumption of Garda recruitment might be necessary so as to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels. My priority is to maintain Garda operational strength and, therefore, I am planning to commence recruitment to the Force by the end of the year. A recruitment drive will be necessary to compensate for retiring members and to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels and I expect an advertisement to be published in the media in the coming months. I am informed by the Garda authorities that applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service and who have successfully undergone a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.
