Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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1180. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new recruitment campaign for the Garda band will happen in quarter 1 of 2022. [62967/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to the recruitment, training and appointment of its members.  This responsibility extends to members of the Garda Band.  As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 

As well as performing at official Garda and State functions, the band is dedicated to the development of good relations between An Garda Síochána and the community it serves. It achieves this through performance of a varied, entertainment-focused programme, which evolves to suit every audience, event or setting.  Many Garda Band concerts serve not only as Garda community relations events, but as essential fundraising opportunities for local communities, sports clubs and charities.

In mid 2020, the members of the Garda Band were temporarily transferred to frontline policing duties to assist with the implementation of, and monitoring of adherence to, COVID-19 restrictions. The temporary transfers remained in place until June 2021, when the band members returned to Garda Headquarters to resume band duties as the restrictions were lifted.  I understand that the Garda Band has been carrying out limited official and community based engagements since July 2021.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are currently engaging with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit suitable Garda staff candidates to fill the vacancies which were previously undertaken by professionally trained musicians, who were also serving Gardaí.

Vacancies in the Garda Band, when they do arise, are advertised in the national media and on www.publicjobs.ie and are filled following an interview, test of musical ability, medical examination and character clearance.

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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1181. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new marked and unmarked Garda cars allocated to Tipperary Garda division in 2020 and 2021; and the number of cars withdrawn from the division during same period. [62968/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase and distribution of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of Garda vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.

I have been provided with the tables below by the Garda authorities, outlining the information requested by the Deputy.

Tipperary Division Allocations & Removals for 2021

Tipperary Division Allocations & Removals for 2020