Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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790. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in County Kildare that have taken basic or refresher public order training in each of the past three years; and the duration of each course. [18455/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including training and development of the Garda organisation.  As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

In respect of training courses available from the Garda College, they are provided on an operational needs basis and having consideration for the operational needs of the force.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that  the number of Gardaí within the Kildare division that successfully completed public order training in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 is shown on the following table.

A refresher Public Order Course was scheduled to take place in early 2020.  However due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of public health measures, this course has been put on hold.  With the phased reopening of the country, it is expected that training courses will resume in the coming months.