Brendan Griffin
Ceist:208. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will begin recruiting new gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31362/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 27 June 2013
Ceisteanna (208)
Freagraí scríofa
A resumption of Garda recruitment, at a time when both overall headcount and the size of the pay bill in the public service must be reduced, would have financial implications that must be managed within the overall resources available to Government. In that context, it is important that the LRC proposals, or what is now known as the Haddington Road Agreement, on saving €1 billion from the public service pay bill, including €300 million this year are fully implemented.
Importantly, those proposals contain provisions for a review of the Garda Síochána which would start in September and would include an examination of the structure, organisation and staffing of An Garda Síochána. The outcome of such a review would be an important determining factor in any final decision on Garda staffing levels. However, and whatever the approved staffing complement might be at any time, I do believe that it is important for an organisation such as the Garda Síochána to have some regular intakes of new recruits, even if on a modest scale. In this context, I am currently engaged in discussion with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding this issue and I expect to bring a Memorandum to Government on the matter shortly.