asked the Minister for Justice (a) the maximum statutory authorised strength of the Garda Síochána; (b) when this figure was set; and (c) the actual strength at present.

The maximum strength of the Garda Síochána as prescribed in the Garda Síochána (Ranks) Order, 1979, is 10,002. That order was made by the Government on 23 November 1979. The actual strength on 31 January 1981 was 9,876.

Will the Minister explain why the maximum strength is still at 10,002 and the actual strength less than 10,000 when he made a commitment last September to increase the force up to 12,000 within 18 months?

It is obvious the Deputy does not understand what is involved. If it is necessary for me to move for a new ranks order when I have exceeded the figure I have already provided for, I will do so. Even when the 200 plus recruits being trained at present are out and when the remaining trainees who were successful in the last examination are called, the existing ranks order is sufficient to cover that. I hope to introduce a new system of recruiting of which I will give more details at a later stage. There will be new standards later on which will speed up recruiting and which will be very helpful. When it is necessary for me to introduce a new ranks order, I will do so.

Would the Minister explain (1) Why is there no provision in the current Estimates for an increase in the strength of the force and (2) why is there no recruiting going on at present?

If the Deputy wants to debate the budget at Question Time I cannot oblige. All those who can avail of training in the Garda Síochána from the last examination will be trained. I propose to have a new examination very shortly which will revolutionise the whole question of getting more recruits. The Deputy need not have any worries. I am very pleased that during my Ministry I have had 1,900 recruits trained and for the 18 months prior to my becoming Minister, the Deputy's party trained 70 or 80 or thereabouts.

The Minister should not introduce a red herring. He promised to increase the force to 12,000 and he has not done anything about it.

Has the Minister any data available giving the number of new entrants to the force last year and the number who either retired or left the force in the same period?

I would have to get that information, and I will send it on to the Deputy.

The Minister had a figure for 18 months. What is the growth figure?

The number of Gardaí brought into the force was 1,900, but the natural wastage was 400 to 500. I will have to check that and communicate with the Deputy. The fact that I remember what happened 18 months before I came to office——

Is it correct that there would have been about 1,500 trained?

Yes.