Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in the event that recruitment of Gardaí is sanctioned in future, whether the intake will occur from existing recruitment panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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.

The Deputy will be aware that following a review of the training for recruit Gardaí, a revised training programme has been introduced in the Garda College. In light of this and in view of the fact that the existing Garda recruitment panel is now approximately five years old, it is unlikely that the existing panel will be used in any future recruitment. However the matter will be kept under review.