Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the new training programme for the Garda Síochána; if it will affect people waiting on a panel to commence training at Templemore College, County Tipperary; if the current panel will remain in place to fill the next intake; when those intakes will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10055/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I was present recently when the Garda Commissioner launched the Report of the Garda Síochána Training and Development Review Group. The report together with guidelines for the implementation of the eighty five recommendations contained therein can be accessed on www.garda.ie.

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána Admission and Appointments Regulations, 1988, (as amended). I am informed by the Garda authorities that following selection by the Public Appointments Service each applicant must undergo a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting. Applicants successful at all three stages will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.

Any proposed amendments to the regulations arising out of the Review Group's report will be given careful consideration and will involve full consultation with all relevant parties. The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.