Tom Fleming
Ceist:469 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the next Garda recruitment programme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27780/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 June 2012
Ceisteanna (374, 375)
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:504 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are any immediate plans to begin recruiting trainee gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28208/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 504 together.
No date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College or for the commencement of a recruitment competition.
What will ultimately determine the sustainable level of Garda numbers, and therefore establish when recruitment will recommence, is the level of budgetary provision that can be made for the Force. Difficult decisions will continue to have to be made, right across the public sector, in order to bring our public finances back into balance. The decision on when recruitment will re-commence will also take into account the rate of retirements in the Garda Síochána and Government targets, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants.