Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes a valid point. We are at a stage where we are trying to recruit as many members into An Garda Síochána as we can. The Deputy has indicated that there are serving PSNI officers living in this jurisdiction who would like to become members of An Garda Síochána. At present, their difficulty is that in order to become a member of An Garda Síochána through the standard route, they would have to go to Templemore. That would involve them having to give up their jobs in the PSNI, which would be extremely difficult. I appreciate the significance and import of what the Deputy is saying.

Section 50 states that the Garda Commissioner may appoint, in accordance with such matters as may be contained in regulations in relation to such appointments, persons to any rank below the rank of chief superintendent. I will consult with the senior management in An Garda Síochána. I would like to know if there are many members of the PSNI living in this jurisdiction who would like to transfer over. Obviously, there would have to be certain requirements in order for them to do so. I would have thought that if those requirements can be met, it would be a useful method of trying to increase numbers on the force. I will consult with the Commissioner and my Department in respect of the matter.

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