Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. An Garda Síochána has been allocated unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for 2024, a 25% increase since 2020 allowing for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

As the Deputy is aware, it is the responsibility of Garda management to manage and keep under review the distribution of resources. I am informed that when consideration is given to the allocation and transfer of Garda members to and from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.

I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:

• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Minimum establishment statistics
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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31. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have left the force in each year since 2020. [17652/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

The following table outlines the number of Gardaí who have left the service in each year since 2020, as of 18 April 2024. Figures include Voluntary Retirements, Compulsory Retirements, Cost Neutral Early Retirements, Resignations, Dismissals, Deaths in Service and Medical Discharges.

I must emphasise that numbers leaving are relatively low. As of last month, there were just over 14,000 Garda members and the rate of resignations is currently at around 1%. The increase since 2022 is 0.3% of Garda numbers.

As the Deputy will appreciate, people may choose to leave an organisation or change careers for a variety of reasons. I believe that the relatively low rate of resignations from An Garda Síochána must also be seen in the context of the current healthy state of Ireland’s economy, with full employment, a highly competitive jobs market and where Gardaí are likely to have acquired highly desirable skills.

A lot of work is being done by An Garda Síochána in terms of recruitment and retention. They have recently introduced their own exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign and, where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention.

I have consistently sought to support the wellbeing of Gardaí. In Budget 2024, the Government provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.

Both myself and the Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding work. We are immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.

The Government have agreed to take all necessary steps to support recruitment and retention in An Garda Síochána. To that end, my Department is working with Garda management and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in relation to further measures to address the issues of recruitment and retention. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges including but not limited to actions such as the establishment of the Garda Training Steering Group.

Both myself and the Garda Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding work. We are immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.