Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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484. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí that were accepted at interview and offered training but who did not take up their offer in 2024. [36314/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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485. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí that have been recruited in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36315/24]

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 and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020, which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. I am advised by the Garda authorities that this has seen an increase to over fourteen thousand Garda members nationwide, representing an increase of 10% since the end of December 2015.

As you will be aware, 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.

A Garda recruitment competition was launched on 15 January 2024 and closed for applications on 8 February. The response to this year’s Garda recruitment campaign was very strong. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 6,381 people applied.

I am informed that the first intake into the Garda College in 2024 was on 8 April and 186 Trainees commenced training on that date. The second intake into the Garda College was on 1 July with 157 Trainees commencing training. I am also informed that there are a further two intakes planned in 2024. The next intake is scheduled for 23 September and the intake is currently being finalised.

Since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 4,716 Garda members have attested and have been allocated to Garda stations nationwide. This includes the 322 probationer who have attested to date this year.

The table below sets out the number of trainees who entered the Garda college in 2023 and up to July 2024 and the number of Garda members who attested in that time.

For your information, there are two further attestation dates currently scheduled in 2024, one this month and one in December. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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486. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí that have retired in the past 12 months; to provide a breakdown of the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36316/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

The Deputy may be aware, at the beginning of September, the Government also increased the age of retirement from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations. It is clear that there is a real appetite for this in An Garda Síochána. Since 2020 my department has processed almost 180 requests for retirement extensions.

Increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer. It is also important that An Garda Síochána, as an organisation, retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible.

The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have retired from the force, for the year 2023 and up to the end of July 2024.

Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.

For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Retirements are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: QUESTION NO: 486

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice (Deputy Helen McEntee)

by Deputy Verona Murphy

for WRITTEN ANSWER on 18/09/2024

To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that have retired in the past 12 months; to provide a breakdown of the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY.

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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

The Deputy may be aware, at the beginning of September, the Government also increased the age of retirement from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations. It is clear that there is a real appetite for this in An Garda Síochána. Since 2020 my department has processed almost 180 requests for retirement extensions.

Increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer. It is also important that An Garda Síochána, as an organisation, retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible.

The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have retired from the force, for the year 2023 and up to the end of July 2024.

Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.

For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Retirements are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link:

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for June from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for June from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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487. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda recruits currently undergoing training in Templemore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36317/24]

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 Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

To assist with recruitment, the Government has increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond.

To be of assistance I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that, as of 13 September, the number of recruits undergoing training in the Garda College, Templemore is 434.

For the Deputy's information, two further intakes into the College are planned for this year as well as two further attestations of Probationer Gardaí. These attestations will be this month and in December.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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488. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are any plans to expand the training college in Templemore; if any consideration has been given to creating a second Garda training college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36318/24]

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 Garda business, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all decisions related to the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised that there is currently sufficient capacity in Templemore to accommodate planned intakes in the order of 800-1,000 per annum. That said, capacity is kept under constant review to ensure that it is sufficient to meet demand into the future, having regard to the target strength of sworn members and the level of retirements/resignations.

In the meantime, An Garda Síochána is working closely with the OPW to develop a plan to upgrade elements of the training college on a phased basis, to provide enhanced facilities at Templemore.

I have consistently said that no action is off the table when it comes to supporting Garda recruitment. I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group to make recommendations on additional actions to increase recruitment, and that will report to me shortly.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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489. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí that have resigned from the force in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36319/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges and the Deputy may already be aware that I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group, with recommendations due shortly. To assist with recruitment, the Government has increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond.

The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have resigned from the force, for the years 2020 up to the end of July 2024.

Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.

For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Resignations are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link:

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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490. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if exit interviews are conducted with members of An Garda Síochána who resign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36320/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána introduced an exit interview process in May 2023, to better understand why colleagues choose to resign, and to support An Garda Síochána in seeking to address issues which may influence retention.

To date, 132 voluntary exit interviews have been conducted in person or online with departing members and staff, by a chartered occupational psychologist working within An Garda Síochána.

Analysis will be required to determine some of the trends emerging from the exit interviews that have been carried out to date.

An Garda Síochána is working closely with key partners to explore every opportunity to bolster both the recruitment and retention of Garda members in the immediate and longer terms. A confidential exit questionnaire is in the final stage of development and will increase the capacity of the organisation to collate, analyse and act upon the data gathered from colleagues who have chosen to resign.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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491. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on what constitutes an adequate number of Gardaí nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36321/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all internal HR matters. The determination of adequate levels of Garda members in any area is a matter for the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond. We are also committed to increasing the number of Garda staff to 4,000 and the Garda Reserve to 1,000 by the end of 2026 and to 2,000 thereafter. I have provided record levels of funding to the Garda Vote, including over €2.35 billion under Budget 2024 which is an increase of over 25% since 2020. This funding is supporting ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff.

The most recent Garda recruitment campaign, which ran in January and February this year, received a very strong response with over 6,300 people applying to become a Garda. This is a significant increase on the 5,000 people who applied last year. It is good to see that so many people want to join An Garda Síochána with a strong response from people aged between 35 and 50. Well over a third of the applications were in that age group.

To assist with recruitment, I have taken a number of actions with colleagues in Government over the past number of months including:

• Increased the training allowance for Garda recruits to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months;
• Increased the age of entry from 35 to 50;
• Increased the mandatory retirement age to 62.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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492. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí in each Cork Garda station on the last day of April, May, June, July and August respectively, in tabular form. [36341/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including all matters relating to HR and the Garda workforce. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles. To be of assistance I am advised that the table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí in each Cork Garda station on the last day of April, May, and June.

In the interest of transparency, information relating to the allocation of Gardaí by Division, District, Station and Rank is publicly available and can be found at the following link:

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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493. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the meeting she held with the chief superintendent in Anglesea Street on Thursday, 5 September. [36342/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that I met with the Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region and the Chief Superintendent for the Cork City Division at Anglesea Street Garda Station in Cork on 5 September, where I was briefed on policing in Cork City.

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. Budget 2024 provides the highest ever allocation to An Garda Síochána - over €2.35 billion which is a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, as well as investment in vehicles, equipment, and facilities for the organisation.

Recruitment has regained significant momentum and is now occurring on a continual basis, with two intakes earlier this year and another two planned for September and December. At the end of June, 157 new Garda members were attested in a ceremony in Templemore, bringing the total strength of An Garda Síochána to around 14,100 members.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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494. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the process for Garda clearance for local authority housing applicants has been centralised; if so, when this took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36349/24]

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 Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational matters such as the process for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks for local authority housing applicants. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions, nor can I seek to direct the Commissioner in these matters.

I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that this process remains decentralised (the responsibility of the local Superintendent), as provided for under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997.

For the Deputy's information, Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks in respect of persons applying for housing, including persons the authority believes may have been engaged in anti-social behaviour.

To be clear, no individual who applies for social housing in Ireland is subject to Garda vetting. The purpose of vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Acts is to act as an important component of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society i.e. children and vulnerable adults. However, a local authority may seek information in relation to any person seeking a house from specified persons under section 15 of the 1997 Act, including An Garda Síochána, or from another local authority.