The young people who made applications are in limbo because they do not know if they will be called. Will they be notified and told exactly what is the position or should they look for work elsewhere?

I think the Deputy misunderstands how the system operates. There is no competition being organised at present. The last competition was organised early in 1983 and we have taken on the final set of successful trainees who are at present training at Templemore. Hopefully, towards the end of the year or early next year the decision of the Government with regard to a future competition will be announced. Nobody who called to a Garda station over the past 12 months should hold out any hope of being called this year because he or she cannot be called until the recruitment campaign starts.

In view of the success of the previous Government in reducing the crime rate, will the Minister give a guarantee that if statistics show there is any increase in the crime rate, he will review his policy in relation to Garda recruitment and recommence recruitment immediately?

I compliment the Garda Síochána on their success in dealing with the crime rate in recent years, and I am sure all Members will join with me in expressing our hope that they will be even more successful in the future.

Deputy Barrett will agree we are not prepared to accept the present level of crime and we wish the Garda every success in the future in their efforts to reduce the level of crime.