Written answers

Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Recruitment

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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313. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his recruitment plans for An Garda Síochána and the Garda Reserve over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/18]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 achieve this the Government has put a plan in place to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 Garda personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real tangible progress on achieving this goal.

Taking account of projected retirements, Garda numbers are expected to reach 14,000 by the end of this year and 15,000 during 2021. This will require the recruitment of some 800 Gardaí in 2019 and 2020. The planned recruitment of new Garda members is kept under constant review, and will be adjusted, if necessary.

Insofar as the Garda Reserve is concerned, the Commissioner is preparing a new Reserve Strategy which will address issues around the recruitment of Garda Reserves and how they are to be deployed.

Of course, as the Deputy will also be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is publishing its Report today. The Report addresses all aspects of policing in Ireland, including recruitment to the Garda Síochána of Garda members and Garda Reserves. Once I have had the opportunity to consider the Report in depth, I will bring proposals to Government in relation to its implementation.

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