Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

There are 1,000 retired this year. Does Deputy O'Dea know how many the Government is training? It is training 198 in Templemore who will not be ready in two years' time. At the same time 1,000 gardaí a year retiring. What the Garda College and the Garda Force needs - I spoke to a chief superintendent outside the gate here yesterday - is experience. There has been a drain of experience from the Garda Siochána that will not be easily replaced. This is what the Government is presiding over. I will finish with a quote for the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, which I am sure he will enjoy.

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