Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister will be aware, the membership of An Garda Síochána is at its lowest level in modern times. This is due to a wave of retirements following a change in the treatment of taxation on pensions, and this was compounded by the cessation of recruitment. How does the Minister for Justice and Equality propose to achieve the objective of keeping pace with retirements while restoring Garda numbers to 14,500? How does she intend to accelerate recruitment? How many recruitments will be made to Templemore College? How many will enter the college this September? Has the Minister secured funding to underpin that recruitment programme?

I know of two Tipperary gardaí who recently retired, both at the age of 53, both of whom had served 30 years. That is an example of trained, qualified, experienced members being allowed to retire. Would the Minister consider giving members such as those access to their gratuity entitlement as an incentive to remain serving in the force? Has any consideration been given to the idea of harnessing the skills and expertise of the numerous gardaí of every rank who have retired in recent years?

What progress has been made on the plans to refurbish, extend and maximise the current capacity of Templemore Garda training college? Is there a definite long-term plan to address the future capacity and training facilities at Templemore and also in relation to the lands in the possession of the Department at Clonmore?

In recent years, a block has been imposed on legitimate transfer requests due to the reduction of Garda numbers. Many members have failed to get a positive response for a transfer despite the fact they have compelling, substantiated grounds for such a move. There are 430 members of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, awaiting a transfer in stations for more than two years. In addition, there is a logjam and no transparency in how transfer rules are applied. The system is too rigid and unresponsive. Transfer decisions must be open and transparent and I ask the Minister to commit to replacing the current structure with a new, fair and equal transfer system for members.

The Minister is as aware as the rest of us of the current crisis in housing. Many gardaí are caught in this housing trap. The Department of Justice and Equality and the Office of Public Works could contribute to addressing this issue by restoring the many vacant houses in the possession of the Department. In my county of Tipperary, there are numerous neglected and vacant housing properties in need of restoration or refurbishment. For example, such properties exist in Templemore, Cashel, Emly and Mullinahone. It is unacceptable, indeed outrageous, to see these houses in prime locations left to rot while young gardaí clamour in vain for housing opportunities. The Department of Justice and Equality should, as a matter of priority, allocate funds to bring these properties back into the housing stock.

What is the Government's position on the Garda Representative Association? Today is the deadline and we have been met at the gates of the Houses of the Oireachtas by members of the GRA. Does the Government intend to reopen negotiations to address outstanding issues?

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