Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the witnesses and apologise for being late. Like Deputy Ward, I was in the Chamber asking questions and waiting for answers. I welcome the effort the witnesses put into their opening statements. They validate some of the points I was making to the Commissioner last week, particularly in respect of the scramblers. I know the witnesses have probably addressed that issue already. I caught their contributions on that issue on the screens as I made my way down to the committee room. I do not want to go over that ground again.

There are a couple of points I want to make. The GRA statement refers to 2019, when the Commissioner reduced the planned and approved intake of 800 recruits to 600. What was the rationale for that decision?