Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will commence the recruitment of additional Gardaí in view of dwindling numbers; if he will re-commence training in Templemore, County Tipperary, for this purpose; if he will give an indication as to when the next intake of Garda trainees will commence in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7169/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As of 31 December 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total strength of the Force was 13,424 which is, in fact, slightly more than the figure of 13,350 proposed by the previous Government in its National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. There are also approximately 2,000 civilian support staff and almost 1,000 Garda Reserves in the Garda Síochána. Garda numbers have been reducing due to the moratorium on recruitment. My objective, despite the enormous financial pressures facing the Government is to ensure that Garda numbers will not fall below 13,000. I have informed my Cabinet colleagues that I am reviewing the position regarding Garda strength in light of an estimated reduction to just over 13,000 by the end of 2013, and, in this context, I will be bringing all relevant proposals to Cabinet in the coming weeks.