Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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683. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the next intake of Garda recruits will occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11648/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. The significant level of funding provided over recent years is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now approximately 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no role in decisions on such matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the next intake of Garda recruits will occur on 24May 2021, with 150 Garda Trainees scheduled to enter the Garda College.