Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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1195. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the next round of recruitment to An Garda Síochána will take place; the number to be recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14006/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána and is responsible for the management and administration of the Garda organisation, including the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

Budget 2021 provided for the recruitment of up to 620 Garda Trainees in 2021. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána currently plan to take in approximately 450 new Garda Trainees over the course of 2021, all assigned from previous competitions.

I am further informed that it is projected that a new Garda Trainee Competition will commence in Quarter 4 of 2021. These plans are subject, of course, to the evolution of public health restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.