Mr. Se?n Clancy:

We have introduced a rolling recruitment induction methodology. Our recruitment campaign is based on all of the above factors mentioned by the Senator. During the recent All-Ireland finals, the rugby and all of the All-Ireland series across all codes, we ran a targeted television campaign on the new "Be More" campaign we devised as our communications recruitment strategy. We are on Facebook and Instagram and gain a considerable number of hits, which we measure tangibly. I am sorry the Senator has not seen it but I can assure her that the views and hits we have are quite substantial. We have received recognition for our social media in the social media awards year on year and this year, in particular, for the "Be More" campaign. We got special recognition and received best in class across the public sector so I am delighted and am very positively disposed to the fact that we are engaged fully in that area. Those campaigns are ongoing and we are investing quite heavily and deliberately in each of those.

The medical issue can cross many questions. We have put in place a specific medical to alleviate the medical issues but there have been problems in that in terms of supply. Like every other area, private medical support is very difficult to get in terms of what we need done. There are difficulties in that area but we are addressing them.

Having members of the Defence Forces on the streets is very much a policy issue. Let us be very frank and clear. An Garda Síochána has the responsibility for security and policing in Ireland. Senator Ardagh asked if I would be in favour of it. I certainly would not at this point in time. We live in a democratic state and the essence of democracy is policing and observing the rule of law. That lies within the remit of An Garda Síochána primarily and the Department of Justice and we are there to support them in aid to the civil power when required and we do that but to start patrolling the streets would be a very retrograde step.