Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects the new Garda recruitment programme to address any deficiency in the strength of the force throughout urban and rural areas having particular regard to the need to ensure adequate policing while maintaining best international practice within the resources available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19273/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that I am committed to maintaining Garda strength at 13,000 and I therefore expect that recruitment in 2014 will broadly match the number of retirements in 2014. The review of An Garda Síochána as provided under the Haddington Road Agreement will also provide a framework to ensure that the best possible policing service continues to be provided to all communities across the State.

The Deputy will also be aware that the allocation of all resources in An Garda Síochána, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I have no function in the matter.