Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

55. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of gardaí at present; the total number of trainees currently in training for An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35703/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 14,347 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of almost 12% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion. The Deputy may be aware that there was a very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 84 trainees currently in the college. The number of attestations this year so far is 317 (145 in Jan and 70 in Feb, 102 in May).