Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the next recruitment for the Garda band will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6944/22]

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.