Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

22. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of reports that Garda recruits were not vetted in time for them to enter Templemore in the most recent intake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38095/24]

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

The recruitment process for An Garda Síochána includes security clearance and vetting procedures for good reason, as the organisation fulfils a unique dual role as our national police and security service.

I can, of course, understand the frustration of anyone who applies to join the Gardaí and who must wait for the various checks to be complete before being offered a place in Templemore. I am assured, however, that every effort is made to process these checks as swiftly as possible.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are a number of factors outside of An Garda Síochána's control that can impact on the timeline for individual applications. These include if a person has lived overseas, for example. In these cases, An Garda Síochána must contact law enforcement partners in those countries to obtain information. This takes additional time.

We want to see as many recruits as possible enter Templemore at each intake. However, we must ensure that all necessary checks are undertaken and cannot compromise the integrity of the process, even if it might appear expedient to do so.

So far this year we have seen three intakes to Templemore. Over 800 candidates have been offered positions in the Garda College this year, indicating there are sufficient numbers of candidates successfully passing all elements of the process and being offered a position as a trainee.

Budget 2024 provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, representing a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

Recently I announced a further increase in the Garda training allowance from €305 to €354. This will build on the previous increase from €184 to €305 and represents an almost doubling of the allowance in the last 12 months.

My Department is working with Garda management, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and Public Jobs in relation to further measures to address the issues of recruitment and retention. The first report from this group is due to be submitted to me at the end of this month.

Nothing is off the table when it comes to recruiting and retaining Garda members and I look forward to receiving recommendations from the Garda Training Steering Group in relation to further measures to improve attraction and retention of suitable eligible candidates.

Being a Garda member is a difficult and challenging role, though it is also highly rewarding. I thank anyone who has applied to join and hope that they can understand the reasons why, at times, it might take longer to reach their goal of entering Templemore. Any applicant waiting for checks to be completed can be assured that the Government wants as many as possible trainees in Templemore and that every effort will continue to be made to expedite the various checks.