Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to introduce an incentive of extra remuneration for gardaí to encourage them to live in rural areas; the reason the Gaeltacht allowance of 7.5 % can not be extended to all rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The 7.5% additional remuneration referred to by the Deputy was introduced in the mid 1930's as an incentive to members of An Garda Síochána to speak Irish in certain Gaeltacht areas in the country. It is dependent on the member in question attaining a certain level of proficiency in an Irish examination and being stationed in certain districts. There are no plans to extend that allowance to encourage members to live in rural areas.