Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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494. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that have applied for the incentivised career break under the scheme available in An Garda Síochána in view of the fact that the closing date is the 31 of May 2014; the numbers that are expected to apply for this scheme; the arrangements in place from the 1 June to ensure that there are adequate Garda resources in place; when new recruits will be available to fill these positions that will be vacant as a result of the incentivised career break from the 31 May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17945/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that up to close of business on 11 April 2014 there have been 49 applications for the scheme. It is not possible to predict how many applications there will be prior to the closing date on the 31 May, 2014.

The operation of the incentivised career break scheme is subject to the operating requirements of An Garda Síochána not being significantly adversely affected and I am informed that applications will be considered in that context.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. Where a deficiency in a particular resource is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.

It is expected that the new recruits will enter the Garda college in July 2014, when they will embark on a progressive new training course. The new course has been developed which will reflect the current policing environment and will better prepare Garda members for the reality of frontline policing. It will also allow for the attestation of members after 32 weeks, at which time they will be assigned to Garda stations with full policing powers for a further 72 weeks of on the job experiential learning. On conclusion of the two years training, the Garda member will be awarded a BA in Applied Policing.