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

I can confirm to the House that there is no shortage of people applying to become members of An Garda Síochána. Very high numbers continue to apply to enter training and I welcome that. Clearly, we want to see everybody within the Lansdowne Road pay agreement. Gardaí were subject to the same pay reductions as all other public servants over the course of the financial crisis and, similarly, have benefited from the partial restoration of pay commenced on foot of the Lansdowne Road agreement, notwithstanding the fact that both the GRA and the AGSI have rejected that agreement. I am very aware that both bodies feel very frustrated at the pace of pay restoration, but the Government must take a very sustainable and prudent approach to public sector pay, so I restate the commitment to the Lansdowne Road agreement. We are involved in discussions with both bodies and are having very positive and constructive discussions. I am sure the Deputy will join me in hoping that these can be brought to a fruitful conclusion.

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