Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether Garda strength can be retained in line with requirements notwithstanding having to live within the curtailment of the Memorandum of Understanding entered into by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/13]

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.