Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 505: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding Garda recruitment and the position in respect of existing panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48141/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 410 Garda applicants who have successfully completed stages 1 and 2 of the application process. Of these there are a total of 164 applicants who have completed all stages of the application process for entry to the Garda College. The remaining candidates are being processed through background screening, medical examination and physical competency tests.

The National Recovery Plan 2011- 2014 provides for a reduction in the number of members of An Garda Síochána to 13,000 by the end of 2014. This reduction, and the rate at which it is achieved through retirements, will be taken into account in determining when recruitment will re-commence.