Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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1488.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí at the end of May 2024, or the closest date possible, in tabular form. [31486/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain absolutely committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. In 2024, I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána which represents a 25% increase on 2020.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2024 there was a total of 13,982 Garda members.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 28 June 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 14,100 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of 10% since the end of December 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide by rank on 31 May 2024. Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.

A new recruitment campaign was launched on 15 January and closed for applications on 8 February. The response was very strong with over 6,300 applying to become Gardaí – an increase on the 5,000 who applied last year.

The number of recruits in the Garda training college continues to increase; a total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. This is the highest intake in any year since 2018.

An intake of 185 trainees entered the Garda College in April and a further 157 entered the Garda College in July. Further intakes are planned for September and December of this year.

As the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Divisions. I have no role in these operational matters.

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 optimum use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1489.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of running the Garda Training College for one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31555/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer of An Garda Síochána and is responsible for the Garda budget, including in how it relates to the Garda College. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the cost of running the Garda training college for one year is approximately €44.25million which is the current 2024 budget allocation for the College. The budget includes all payroll related costs for Garda recruits and members and staff employed in the college and non-pay operational costs.

I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to Keep People Safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.35 billion in Budget 2024 which is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, technology and equipment. To further support recruitment we have increased the training allowance by 66% to €305 per week.

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána has accelerated since the reopening of the Garda College. A total of 746 trainees entered Templemore last year which is the highest intake since 2018 and represents a six fold increase on 2022's intake of 116.

185 trainee Gardaí entered Templemore in April. Another 157 entered earlier this month. Subsequent intakes into the Garda Training College are scheduled September and December of this year.