Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality If he will consider lifting the embargo on new Garda recruits in view of the fact that persons and families are now living in fear in rural, isolated areas and the fact that a large number of Gardaí retired in the recent past, the recent closure of rural Garda stations and the proposed closure of additional Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57132/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The present strength of An Garda Síochána is approximately 13,400 which is a strength similar to that during 2007. While the moratorium continues to apply to the Garda Síochána, the question of when recruitment to the Garda Síochána should resume will be kept under continuing review in the context of retirements and the availability of resources. I will remain in dialogue with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on this, but what is vital now is that the still significant resources of the Force are used with maximum efficiency and to the greatest effect. That is why the reforms being introduced by the Garda Commissioner, such as new rosters and the rationalisation of the Garda station and District networks, are essential.