Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

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

However, to be of assistance I sought the information from the Garda authorities and have been informed that, the next intake of new trainees into the Garda college, is scheduled to take place on 8 April 2024.

The Deputy will be interested to know that 746 trainee Gardaí entered Templemore in 2023, the highest number to enter Templemore since 2018. 388 new Gardaí attested in 2023 and were allocated to Garda stations nationwide.

There are currently around 14,000 Garda members across the country and it is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024.

The Deputy may be aware that there was very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 6,300 applications. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period. Furthermore, the Garda Commissioner has confirmed that he has requested the Public Appointments Service to undertake a Garda Reserve competition at the earliest possible date.