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

Competitions are run on an ongoing basis. Panels are developed and then positions are filled. Where new Garda members go or where serving members are redirected must be a matter for the Garda Commissioner. My job is to ensure the Garda and its members have the resources they need, the support they need and, as far as I can ensure it, that more people are going through Templemore to train to become gardaí and more civilian staff are being taken on. As I said, we have had our recruitment campaign for the Garda Reserve taking place this month, which is the first for approximately seven years. I am, therefore, doing what I can to ensure we have a steady stream of new gardaí coming through. Beyond that, the Commissioner must look at where resources are needed. He has a finite number to work with. Every time we have new recruits, therefore, and, thankfully, we will have more recruits coming out in the next few weeks, he will have to look at where pressures exist and resources are needed, while at the same time ensuring everybody gets their fair share. It will have been seen that the Garda members passing out from the latest graduation were more dispersed across the country than had been the case previously. I have no doubt that as the numbers continue to increase Cork will get its fair share. Recruitment competitions are ongoing as well, so I have no doubt that those vacant posts will be filled shortly as well.

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