Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he foresees that further recruitment to An Garda Síochána will get underway; and if priority consideration will be given to persons who have completed all the aptitude and other tests and who are on a waiting list to be called into training. [24610/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Minister for Finance has made clear, the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both members and civilian support staff. By its nature, it has no application to the Garda Reserve, whose members are unpaid volunteers who do not occupy public service posts.

The moratorium is due to remain in place until the end of 2010, and can only be deviated from in exceptional circumstances with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

While the situation will be kept under review the fact that the strength of An Garda Síochána has increased very significantly in recent years means that it is in the best possible position to absorb the impact of moratorium.