Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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573. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer Parliamentary Question Nos. 476 and 478 of 30 November 2021. [7632/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 30 November 2021 asked “if all Garda stations custody suites are covered by CCTV cameras and audio recording facilities; if not, the estimated cost of ensuring the remaining Garda stations custody suites are covered by CCTV cameras and audio recording facilities”.

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that CCTV cameras and audio recording facilities are in place in a number of Garda station custody suites and in all new-build Garda stations, where a custody suite is part of the build. I am further informed that ongoing requirements for CCTV cameras and audio recording facilities are planned and implemented on the basis of operational needs and available resources.

I understand that these systems are specified by Garda ICT and are tendered and procured by the OPW and installed under contract by a preferred bidder. The Garda authorities advise me that in these circumstances it is not provide the cost estimates referred to.

Parliamentary Question No. 478 of 30 November 2021 asked "the capacity of each motorcycle shed for roads policing motorcycles in each RPU base in tabular form".

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 50 Garda districts which have motorcycles assigned to them. I understand that it is not a requirement, on the allocation of a motorcycle to a Garda station, that a purpose built shed be available to house the vehicle.

The table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the storage/parking facilities that are available in each of the 50 districts which have been assigned motorcycles:

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide details on the capacity figures for each of the sheds.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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574. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda band as of 7 February 2022; and if she will provide same figure as of 1 February 2020, in tabular form. [7634/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda personnel and resources. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Gardaí attached to the Garda Band at 1 February 2020 and 7 February 2022.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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575. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a Garda recruitment competition will commence in February 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7660/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am very pleased that, as we celebrate 100 years of service from An Garda Síochána, the Government is increasing the number of Gardaí on our streets and last week a new recruitment competition was launched by An Garda Síochána.

Budget 2022 includes an unprecedented allocation of in excess of €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, including provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year, and many of the 800 Gardaí to be recruited will be drawn from this competition.

I would urge anyone who wants to join An Garda Síochána to apply for a position in the service, but I would particularly urge women, members of new Irish communities and people from minority groups to consider a career in An Garda Síochána.

Both the Government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service.

The Garda Commissioner has put a welcome focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, as An Garda Síochána seek to embed the principle that human rights are the foundation and the purpose of policing in Ireland.

This has included changes to Garda uniform policy, the establishment of the Garda National Diversity Forum, and representation from diverse and minority communities in the Garda Reserve. An Garda Síochána are working to produce a combined internal and external Equality, Diversity and Integration Strategy early this year.

The recruitment competition is open until 3pm on Wednesday 16 March 2022 and full details can be found at www.publicjobs.ie.