Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to see us continuing the rate of recruitment of at least 500 a year. In discussions with Templemore and the Garda Commissioner, it is very clear that this is the maximum Templemore can take per year. It has been higher in the past, but there have been issues about supervision when those recruits go out into the community and we want to do it to the highest professional standards, as does the Garda. I have said I want to see continuous recruitment to an Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner will keep an eye to the operational challenges.

One must also consider the kind of reform that is under way when talking about effective policing. It is very clear that investment in ICT is essential and will impact on effective use of Garda resources. Much of crime now, in the case of burglaries, for example, involves highly mobile gangs. The investment we have just made in the right type of vehicle is an essential part of targeting crime. It is not about sitting behind a desk, it is about being out there and being mobile. I would like to deal with the question Deputy Collins asked, very briefly if I could, about the open competition-----

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