Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

69. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality how many applications were received for the Garda trainee competition 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can however assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to continue to deliver on its mission of Keeping People Safe.

Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána. This includes funding for 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.

With this momentum building through the year, we remain committed to the target of 1,000 new Gardaí this year. An Garda Síochána also recently launched a new recruitment campaign which closed on 14 April 2023. I would like to encourage anyone called as part of the 2022 or 2023 competition not to defer but to make sure they’re fully fit and ready to take up the opportunity.

As the Deputy can appreciate the campaign is managed by the Public Applications Service (PAS) on behalf of An Garda Síochána. I have sought information on the number of applications for this campaign and will be able to inform the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

70. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department is on track to meet the target of 1,000 new gardaí this year, as provided for in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to create stronger, safer communities.

My Department has provided funding for the recruitment of 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.

As the Deputy will be aware An Garda Síochána launched a new recruitment campaign on 24 March which closed on 14 April 2023. I would like to encourage anyone called as part of the 2022 or 2023 competitions not to defer but to make sure they are fully fit and ready to take up the opportunity.

While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including recruitment, I regularly engage with him to ensure that every possible support is in place to deliver on this level of recruitment. The Commissioner has assured me the target of 1,000 new Gardaí this year will be met. 

An Garda Síochána has undoubtedly faced challenges in recruitment, not least during the COVID restrictions. However, the strong interest levels shown in recent campaigns are a testament to the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána.