asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether any recruits are required for the Gárda Síochána, and, if so, if he will state if recruits are to be selected by a board set up for the purpose by the Civil Service Commission; further, whether a notice asking for applications will be advertised in the Press, at Gárda barracks and at post offices.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what number of recruits were accepted for the Gárda Síochána during the year ended 31st December, 1937, and if he will state if any recruits will be required during the current year 1938 and, if so, will he give the approximate number likely to be accepted.

I propose to take questions No. 13 and No. 14 together. No decision has been made as to the reopening of recruiting for the Gárda Síochána. As regards the method of selection, the responsibility is vested by statute in the Commissioner subject to the provisions of the Gárda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, 1937. It is not considered necessary to invite applications for admission to the Force; there is a waiting list of candidates sufficient to supply all possible requirements for several years. One recruit was accepted during the year ended 31st December, 1937.