Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply and opening comments. I am shadowing the Minister for this week at least but next week may bring something else for me. We must wait and see. I recognise what was contained in the four year programme published prior to the election. The Government parties gave a commitment in the programme for Government to retain a strong and efficient police force and at the same time there has been an indication that it is intended to reduce public service numbers by 25,000. Is the Government committed to reducing the Garda force by 1,000 over the course of the Government's term as outlined in the programme for Government?

With regard to Garda recruitment and training and balancing the reduction in numbers and retirements, when will the next intake of trainees be taken into Templemore? People have applied to join the force and been vetted but they have been put into a holding cell, so to speak. They are ready to be brought to Templemore to train. When will the next batch be brought in and will the Minister confirm his intention to reduce the number in the force by 1,000?

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