Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

In the context of the new panel and new recruitment campaign, what is the status of those who have already passed their examinations and who, in some cases, have completed the interview process and whose position is on hold owing to the embargo? Where stand these people in so far as the panel is concerned?

I accept what the Minister had to say in regard to garda levels. Where stands any targeted programme of civilianisation in terms of the Minister's statement in his reply that there are hundreds of civilian officers augmenting the Garda Force? Is there a target in respect of a reduction in the ratio of civilian to ranked member? On the community garda campaign - currently approximately 6% of the force comprises community gardaí - is there a target in terms of increasing those numbers in the context of the current recruitment campaign?

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