Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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991. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to maintain the existing Garda Siochana panel in place since 2008 for the purposes of future Garda recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36824/13]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1007. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Gardai to be recruited in the new recruitment campaign he recently announced. [37051/13]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1008. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the new recruitment campaign recently announced, if priority will be given to applicants who successfully completed the interview and aptitude test in the past just before they stopped recruiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37052/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 991, 1007 and 1008 together.

In view of the fact that the existing Garda recruitment panel is now approximately five years old, the Commissioner has determined, with my consent, that the maximum number of recruits has been recruited from that panel. People not called from that panel may, of course, re-apply to join the Garda Síochána once they meet the eligibility criteria. The number of recruits to be drawn down from this new competition will be determined taking a number of factors into account including the current and projected strength of the force, the expected retirement rate and the availability of resources.