Written answers
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Garda Recruitment
9:00 am
Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the Government's policy regarding recruitment to the Garda Síochána; the number of students currently undergoing training in Templemore Garda College; the number of students expected to commence training by the end of 2010 and the number expected for 2011; to outline any changes made to the Garda training programme; the number of applications received under the present programme of recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35724/10]
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 establish a panel of approved candidates who will be available to meet future Garda recruitment needs in line with Government policy. I was happy to obtain the approval of my colleague the Minister for Finance for this. 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 7 students undergoing training in Templemore Garda College. The recent review on Training in An Garda Síochána found significant strengths in the wide diversity of training provided in the Garda Síochána, both to student Gardaí and to serving members and civilian staff. It also identified areas where the organisation, management and delivery of training could be further enhanced, with considerable benefits for the Garda Síochána and the public it serves. The Commissioner will progressively implement these significant and wide-ranging improvements in Garda training, and he will have my full backing and support in that process.
Comments
John Doyle
Posted on 15 Oct 2010 9:54 am (Report this comment)
Would the Minister consider answering the part of the question with relation to trainees starting before the year is over.
There is currently a panel of over 300 people waiting to start in Templemore since May 2008.
Why waste more money in pushing through a new campaign now when it would make more sense to have an intake, start training new Gardai and get them on the street, instead of giving us the same answer every week.
The army have recruited twice, the prison service never stopped recruiting and all other departments have recruited since the embargo was imtroduced, so why not the Gardai where it is badly needed?
Ronan Fitzpatrick
Posted on 14 Nov 2010 5:26 pm (Report this comment)
The panel is not over 300 There is around 180 with every stage of the recruitment process complete eg.Medical, Pcts' etc... The rest make up a panel with certain stages incomplete. Now I'm all for your point in that the minister constantly dodges the question regarding recruitment. However how can you contemplate bringing these people in when it has been around 2 years since their last medical. People could have incurred convictions, Disabilities etc.. It would not be good practice to bring these people in. In the interest of fairness these people should have first priority but when you look at things now there is a much better candidate out there. People with qualifications in the area of Social Science, Law, Forensics etc... People who are genuine about the job and what it entails! In my own opinion An Garda Siochana have allowed certain incompetent individuals to join the force. This of course is reflected in certain isolated instances such as student marches and the 4 Gardai on trial for the assault and false imprisonment of a mother and son in Dublin.
There is a need for new blood within the force. They complain about experienced officers leaving well thats a fair point but with experience brings old outdated values and views, new blood brings different, fresh & positive ways of thinking people that are in tune with modern day policing. On the latest figures released 42% of the force is eligible for retirement. Off ye go boys time to bring in the young lads and ladies that are desperate to do a good job and make a difference in the communities they serve!
John Doyle
Posted on 13 Oct 2010 4:41 pm
This comment has been deleted