Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I believe that in 2006 — I am not sure if the Deputy is referring to that year or to 2007 — 330 applicants were successful in gaining places. There is a high level of attrition among those who apply, for a myriad of reasons. Some applicants were not available for interview when called, others were not able to take up training, many have joined the full-time Garda force and quite a number did not meet the selection criteria. The recruitment process is run through the Public Appointments Service. In the first quarter of 2008, 172 applicants were interviewed, 109 of whom were approved, which is a significant figure.

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