Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if successful candidates to join An Garda Síochána who have been called and have passed their medical and physical tests can be expected to be called for training; if so, when this is likely to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18669/10]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next recruitment round for An Garda Síochána will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18835/10]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when advertising will commence for the next intake of gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18865/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 219, 221 and 225 together.

At the latest date for which comprehensive figures are readily available, there were 14,523 fully attested members of An Garda Síochána with a further 229 recruits in training. The Garda Commissioner is closely monitoring the levels of Garda strength around the country, taking into account the level of retirements and recent attestions of student. I have consulted with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance on when a resumption of Garda recruitment might be necessary so as to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels. My priority is to maintain Garda operational strength and, therefore, I am planning to commence recruitment to the Force by the end of the year. A recruitment drive will be necessary to compensate for retiring members and to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels and I expect an advertisement to be published in the media in the coming months. I am informed by the Garda authorities that applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service and who have successfully undergone a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.