Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:

For the force to remain at 13,000 we would need a continuous recruitment of approximately 325 people per annum. We must look at how we maintain that number because as Deputy Collins has stated, there are variables. I mentioned the modelling exercise we are doing and the variable that need to be taken into account. It is not just the external demographic factor but the demographic make-up of the force. We are very conscious of the organisational demographic make-up of our own people. We are conscious of the gender breakdown and the fact that people may decide to opt for the family friendly policies we have in place. We are factoring in all of those variables.

I very much welcome the fact that recruitment has recommenced. The 299 people in training are very welcome. I would like to see that as the start of what will be a continuous process of recruitment. In terms of policing, it is a profession that requires ongoing continuous recruitment of individuals as well as ensuring that they are equipped, skilled and capable of going out and serving the people. I would very much like to see ongoing recruitment. The overall modelling we are doing is factoring in the external and internal demographic factors and making sure, in so far as possible, we identify the optimum numbers that we need to maintain the level of service we are providing. That is something we are watching very closely.

To respond to the Chairman's question on the optimum number, some police forces have tried to do this but it is not an exact science.

I believe we are very focused in the way we are looking at it - identifying the capacity requirements and capability gaps in requirements to actually sustain our transformation programme and, more important, to sustain the level of service we need to provide to the community. We do not have an exact number at this time, but we will have an estimated number. At the moment I would like to see it staying around 13,000 and increasing if possible.