John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am disappointed to hear from the reply that a new panel is to be formed. While as I stated earlier, some of the 400 people on the previous panel may have gone abroad or moved on to different careers, I believe some recognition should be given to those on the current panel still interested in a career in the Garda Síochána. Obviously, as they had been placed on the panel there were deemed eligible for recruitment. Perhaps the Minister of State would raise with the Minister, Deputy Shatter, the possibility of these people being given some recognition in this regard.

My second question related to the Garda Reserve. Will the recruitment process take into account the service of Garda Reserves who apply for recruitment to the Garda Síochána? If the process is to commence in 2014, it will be late 2014 or early 2015 before the new recruits will be out on the beat? What will be the Garda strength at that stage? Also, what are the projected garda retirements for 2013 and how many retired in 2012? I understand the Minister of State may not have that information today but I ask that she take note of my questions and ask the Minister to reply directly to me.

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