Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the last occasion on which we advertised, there were in the region of 10,000 applications. There is enormous international respect for our Defence Forces. They do a really good job and the training is excellent. A member of the Defence Forces can acquire expertise in a variety of areas such that job opportunities become available on returning to civilian life. Even in the current climate, there will be job opportunities for some of those retiring after 21 years. A number of very skilled individuals will be available for employment.

We are working from an existing panel at present but we will be advertising again in 2014. I encourage people to apply. There is a very fair system with regard to recruitment. Inevitably, the number of applicants will be large. I will get shot by the Chairman for saying this but I believe I should share with the Deputies the fact that the formal advertisements on Garda recruitment will be in the newspapers on 12 December. This is proceeding as planned. While there were 10,000 applicants on the last occasion for the Defence Forces generally, there are over 30,000 expressions of interest from individuals to join An Garda Síochána before formal advertising. I expect that the number of applicants will exceed that. The application forms will be available to individuals online. There will certainly be no shortage of applicants. I encourage those who are interested to duly apply.