Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I refer to the use of technology, for example. I have given the House figures to demonstrate that more people are joining the Garda Síochána this year than are leaving the force. The number of gardaí in the State will reach an all-time high of 14,800 later this year, despite the fact that the number of retirements will be greater than it has been in previous years, as a result of the commitment of the Government over recent years to increase the strength of the force. It is clear that the effects of the moratorium on recruitment will be kept under review. I have mentioned that the Government has agreed to make an exception to the moratorium in line with the case that was made to the Minister for Finance. It has sanctioned the filling of a number of senior positions to ensure there is a proper command structure. The Garda Commissioner and I are satisfied that the force has the required resources. We will keep the situation under review.

See this speech in context