asked the Minister for Justice the number of new gardaí who will be recruited during 1979.

The Garda authorities estimate that about 400 new members will be recruited this year.

Does that mean they will be trained and on the beat or does it mean that they will be in the training college?

I would think so.

Think what?

I would think that the 400 who will be recruited will be trained and operational by the end of the year. If I am wrong in that assumption I will get in touch with the Deputy.

Could the Minister indicate how many gardaí would be due for retirement in 1979, so that we could assess the net increase?

That is a separate question.

I think something in excess of 100. Again I have not got the information but I can communicate with the Deputy.

Of course, in excess of 100 could be 200.

Could the Minister say how many ban-ghardaí are being recruited?

I cannot say but I will send the information to the Deputy.