Mr. Martin Callinan:

As the Deputy knows, I am a very strong supporter of it and I hope that perhaps the Government could see its way to opening recruitment. I am on the record here and elsewhere in providing an indication that I felt that if the numbers dropped below 13,000, there could be difficulties in providing the type of service we want for the citizens of the country. That is still my strong view and everybody is aware of it. As we approach the coming months and towards the end of the year, the expectation is that we will drop below 13,000 so I would very much like to see recruitment starting again as soon as possible.