Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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204. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the training capacity at Templemore garda college; his plans to increase its capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40232/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in relation to these matters.

The Deputy will be aware, however, that this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.

This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner that, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year, which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

The College provides a range of training and development courses to members of An Garda Síochána and all new recruits complete their initial 32 week training programme there. The physical capacity of the College extends to some 496 bedrooms, 16 Classrooms and 4 Lecture Theatres. The Garda authorities inform me that the College has the capacity to accommodate the planned intakes of Garda trainees.

While a number of new facilities were built at the College in the early 2000s, including new administration, catering and recreation facilities, a major programme of works to improve fire safety at the accommodation blocks at the College has been undertaken by the Office of Public Works.

In the context of the longer-term planning for the College, I understand that the Garda authorities are, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, developing proposals for a new purpose-built education and training facility and additional residential accommodation for use by trainee Gardaí.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that all members of An Garda Síochána are trained to the highest standard and have the opportunity to avail of ongoing professional development training so that they can continue to provide a 21st century policing service that meets the expectations of our communities.