Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she is taking to increase recruitment of new gardaí to the force; if she will modernise the force's use of new technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19367/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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In an answer to a previous question I explained how Garda recruitment recommenced in September 2014, for the first time since 2009. Since then, 300 Garda recruits have been taken into the Garda College and the first group have already attested and are now full members of the Garda Síochána. In addition I have secured sanction for the recruitment of a further 250 Garda recruits later this year and the selection process for that is under way.

While it is the Government's intention that there will be ongoing seamless recruitment to the Force, it is not just a question of Garda numbers. The Government is also committed to ensuring that the Garda Síochána are adequately equipped and have the appropriate technical resources and the associated skilled and professional personnel to support the Gardaí in their work.

I am sure the House will agree that out-dated paper-based practices must be consigned to history and policing must move into the digital era. The recent report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Management has highlighted many of the issues that need to be addressed. This will require resources, but it will also require a clear vision as to how An Garda Síochána will deliver the policing service in the years ahead.

With my support, the Commissioner has already established a multi-agency working group to develop a coherent long-term ICT strategy in the wider context of the reform process. This Group is examining the types of systems required and the scale of investment necessary. This work is vital in providing a firm, evidence-based justification for additional investment which I know will be considered carefully by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, in the context of the forthcoming multi-annual Capital Investment Framework.