Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely, but as can be seen from previous years, it takes time to start building momentum and to get a steady flow of candidates through Templemore. I agree that the 92, 135 and 154 are not the numbers we had hoped for, but we are moving in the right direction. In previous years, the situation progressed in this way and numbers came through steadily.

We meet the Garda Commissioner and his team weekly. There is a lengthy process. The Public Appointments Service has to interview all of the candidates and ensure that people are still interested. We have a fluid environment in which there is full employment. Recruitment is not just a problem for the Garda, but right across the public service. Once candidates go through a number of interviews, they must undergo physical, medical and aptitude tests as well as a vetting process. They must then return for further interviews. Unfortunately, this process takes longer than any of us would like. We have examined how to allow different stages to occur simultaneously, but there are certain parts that cannot happen in parallel. My objective is to ensure that as many people pass through Templemore as possible. It will mean another recruitment campaign and keeping the finger on the pulse, and that is what will happen.

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