Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when applications will be accepted for new recruits to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19857/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Commissioner is closely monitoring the levels of Garda strength around the country, taking into account the level of retirements and recent attestations of students. I will continue to consult with my colleague the Minister for Finance on when a resumption of Garda recruitment will be necessary so as to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels. In all this, my priority is to maintain Garda operational strength.

A necessary first step will be a competition to establish a panel of approved candidates and, as I recently indicated, I believe that this should take place later this year.