Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

327. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new recruitment campaign for Garda members to join the Garda band will be launched before end of 2024. [37832/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. This responsibility extends to members of the Garda Band. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

As well as performing at official Garda and State functions, the band is dedicated to the development of good relations between An Garda Síochána and the community it serves. It achieves this through performance of a varied, entertainment-focused programme, which evolves to suit every audience, event or setting. Many Garda Band concerts serve not only as Garda community relations events, but as essential fundraising opportunities for local communities, sports clubs and charities.

An Garda Síochána are running an internal expression of interest to invite members with suitable instrumental skills to join the Garda Band. That competition is currently ongoing.