Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to take in a new group or groups of trainee gardaí to Templemore in 2009; if so, when and the number of places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25494/09]

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 sworn members and civilian support staff. By its nature, it does not apply to the Garda Reserve, whose members are unpaid volunteers who do not occupy public service posts. The total intake of students in the first months of 2009 was 200 with the second intake of students occurring in early May. After that the moratorium on recruitment applies. 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.