Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for pointing out that she had some time for me.

I thank the Minister for her response. I am encouraged by the number of recruits who applied once the age limit was changed. That is really encouraging. It is something that I had called for, along with the training allowance to take account of that older age group who may have financial commitments and for whom, therefore, quitting work and going to Templemore on a small allowance was not appealing. I am encouraged by that.

I am conscious that in the coming years the target that we have set for ourselves of 15,000 will have to be reviewed, and ongoing recruitment such as this backed up with a commitment of the monetary amounts that the Minister has outlined to the House. The €2.3 billion in 2024 is extremely encouraging. Given the need for sustainability of that funding and also the emphasis on ongoing recruitment over the coming years, it has to come out of the budgetary cycle and become an absolute standard for An Garda Síochána that we are able to keep recruitment going within Templemore to keep pace with the growing population.

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