Mr. Drew Harris:

I might turn to the chief corporate officer in a moment. It is likely that approximately 640 members will attest from the Garda College this year. That will show a growth of approximately 200 in 2025. When the most recent class passed out on 6 June, we were sitting at 14,300. We anticipate being at approximately 14,500 at the end of the year.

We have shown growth in the past two years.

We have done a huge amount of work in respect of our recruitment process and streamlining that to make it more efficient and friendly for those who are applying to join An Garda Síochána. There are things we do that other employers do not do. I am thinking about vetting, the medical, the physical competency test and drug testing. There are elements unique to us, but I point to the speed with which we are now dealing with these applications. In February of this year, we had a competition that closed, and 20 from that cohort who applied in February joined on 9 June. The subsequent intakes in August and September will be supplied by that competition. We also intend to run a competition in autumn this year. I will turn to chief corporate office, CCO, to talk about specifics.