Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Predicting final Garda payroll costs in a given year is not precise. There are a number of variables which impact on Garda payroll costs, including the number of retirements in a particular year. The reality is that the vast bulk of Garda retirements are voluntary when members reach 50 years of age and have 30 years service and are in a position to retire on a full pension. It is difficult to predict with complete accuracy the number of retirements in a particular year and the consequent impact, but it is something we will monitor. I want to keep the number at 13,000.

We also have to consider the impact on the college in Templemore of bringing in recruits. In the past a very large number of recruits were brought in without adequate planning in terms of training and supervision and arranging the placements needed. We have to be careful to ensure the college in Templemore can respond. That is why I have said I will keep an open mind on the matter. The number could be between 100 and 200.