James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions before we move on to the next head. My remarks will mirror some of what has been said to an extent. I, too, have a question on retention and recruitment. Deputy Martin Kenny and I recently attended a meeting of the National Bus and Rail Union at which there were representatives of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, on the panel. I was delighted to see funding provided in the budget for the recruitment of 1,000 additional gardaí. That is very positive and welcome. It is great that the commitment is there from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, to support that, with great strides being made. The point made by the representative associations, however, is that it is one thing to launch or announce a recruitment drive but it is more difficult to do it - to get people in and keep them there.

I welcome the remarks in respect of greater diversity of the police force. It makes sense to have more diversity because the police are always part of the community they police and serve. That is certainly positive. The Minister of State already addressed the point and other Deputies came in with different points on it as well.

An issue that may affect longer-serving members of the Garda more than others is the introduction of a new rota system. I understand it is causing ripples within the organisation as it does not suit certain members. I am not sure whether it is the younger members or the older ones who are affected. There will always be industrial relations issues and other issues that permeate through.

When can we expect to see those 1,000 new gardaí on the streets, in Garda cars or on bikes? Can that be done within one year or two years? How long does it take for that to kick in?