James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the last Garda recruitment process, we got more than 11,000 applications, which showed significant interest by the public in becoming members of An Garda Síochána. The initial application was significantly simplified and could be more described as an expression of interest rather than a complicated application. That was partly to expand interest so that people who would not normally apply might express interest and take it a little further. That was part of the thinking behind making the initial application easier. We knew it would attract a greater cohort who might not follow through but we could maybe have more diverse applications. The Garda Síochána has been working hard to increase interest in joining An Garda Síochána among people from different ethnic backgrounds, the Traveller community and other communities to get them interested. That will be reflected in the initial group of 92 and those coming in next year. We will have to wait to see that. I am conscious there should be diversity.

The Deputy is right that joining the Garda traditionally ran in families. I was talking about this with one of my officials earlier. Some families have had many members of An Garda Síochána as members. I looked at my family tree, all the way to third and fourth cousins, and could only find one garda. I think the nature of policing has changed from that tradition. It is still community-based and we want to retain that but we need to find those people who are suited to the role and who understand the community element while also understanding how policing has changed. I agree we need diversity. We and An Garda Síochána are working hard on that. I think it will be reflected among the graduates from Templemore in the coming months and years.

The Deputy is right. It is something we have to work very hard at.

Once the new recruitment begins next year, we are looking to reinvigorate the Garda Reserve as well. That would allow some people who might not want to go straight into An Garda Síochána or might not be coming from a traditional background for An Garda Síochána to see if it is something they are interested in. There has been increased civilianisation to free up gardaí to work on the front line. Some of those who work as civilians may apply to join An Garda Síochána too. That is something we may see. It allows them to see gardaí working without being a front line Garda worker. More progress needs to be made. There is no question about that. I agree with the Deputy's sentiment. It is something we are working very hard on.