Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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813. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if more gardaí have been recruited in each of the past four years than retired in the same years; if recruitment does not outstrip retirement, the discrepancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45301/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you 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 you 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 €2.48 in Budget 2025. This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.

The Government are taking a number of steps to accelerate recruitment into An Garda Síochána, including almost doubling the Garda training allowance to €354, increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50, and launching a new Garda Reserve Competition.

You may also be aware, at the beginning of September, the Government 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.

There are currently over 14,100 Garda members across the country compared to 12,816 in 2015.

Recruitment into An Garda Síochána has accelerated following the forced closure of the Garda College during the pandemic. 746 trainees entered Templemore last year , which represents the highest intake since 2018, and a six fold increase on the total for 2022. 186 trainees entered the College in April, 159 in July, 125 in September and a further intake is planned for December of this year.

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 advised by the Garda authorities that the below table outlines how many Gardaí have entered the Garda College in the past 4 years, and how many Gardaí have retired in the same years, and the difference between these: