Written answers

Wednesday, 3 July 2024

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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128. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the introduction of a fast-track recruitment process for Garda Reserve personnel, to join An Garda Síochána, where their Garda Reserve experience could be taken into account. [28456/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, including the Garda Reserve.

As the Deputy may be aware, An Garda Síochána recently launched a recruitment campaign for the Garda Reserve. Membership of the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. To help support the work of Reserves, I have increased the maximum stipend for a reserve member who completes over 200 hours of voluntary service in a given year from €1,000 to €3,000.

The Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2024 provide for recruitment to the Reserve. Under the Reserve Regulations, a person may apply to become a Reserve Garda if they are 18 years or older, and under the age of 60. As at end of May there were 329 Garda reserves, and the Government has set a target of 1,000 Reserves by 2026. Prospective applicants can find further details in relation to the role and how to apply on garda.ie and at publicjobs.ie.

Garda Reserves may apply to become full-time Garda members and there is a separate entry stream provided by the Public Appointments Service for serving Garda Reserves to apply through. The Reserve member must meet all the standard criteria set in legislation at the closing date for the competition such as applicable age limits.

I can also confirm that there have been a number of former Garda Reserves who have attested to become full-time Garda members. This includes four Garda members who attested at the most recent ceremony on 28 June 2024.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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129. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of serving gardaí who have ever been issued with a serving order, protection order, or barring order, in tabular form. [28482/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to get the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of serving gardaí who have, through internal garda investigations, been found to have engaged in domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, in tabular form. [28483/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to get the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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131. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have been dismissed from the force due to domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, from 2016 to date, in tabular form. [28484/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to get the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

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