Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Murphy very much for raising this issue. Garda attestations are one of the most joyous occasions I have attended in a variety of roles. Putting on the uniform of An Garda Síochána is an ultimate act of public service and I join with the Deputy in wishing everybody well tomorrow. I presume the Minister for justice will be in the Deputy's county tomorrow. I will ensure the Deputy has an opportunity to raise this matter with the Minister directly.

In the first instance, the distribution of gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I will ensure the Deputy’s views are conveyed directly to him. I do, however, take the point the Deputy made. We have gone through several challenging years in terms of Covid, the college being shut down and the likes. We are now back with a very steady pipeline, for want of a better phrase, of gardaí going in and out of Templemore. I know the Minister has plans to further increase the capacity in Templemore as well. The programme for Government also commits to exploring other opportunities to recruit and train more gardaí. Making sure that every part of Ireland gets a fair provision based on the needs of the community, including Clonmel, Cahir and other towns, is important. I will certainly support the Deputy in making sure south Tipperary is adequately resourced, and I will speak to the Minister.

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