353 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the recruitment drive for An Garda Síochána; when this recruitment drive was to commence; the status of this recruitment drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38683/10]

The general moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the Public Service continues to apply to An Garda Síochána. The purpose of initiating a Garda recruitment campaign at this time is to begin a process of establishing a panel of approved candidates who will be available to meet future Garda recruitment needs in line with Government policy. This forward planning is necessary given the lead time involved both in establishing such a panel and in training recruits to the point of attestation. The Garda recruitment process is managed by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner and I have no function in that matter.