Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Aidan FarrellyAidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1018. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new recruitment campaign to join An Garda Síochána will be launched before the end of Q1, 2025; the number of persons that successfully passed all elements of the process in 2024 that have commenced phase one of training; if her attention has been drawn to delays in the vetting process; and the number of successful applicants that are currently in the vetting process of recruitment campaigns, prior to the 2024 recruitment drive. [1473/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen 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), which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in determining the dates for when Garda recruitment campaigns are run, as these matters rest under the remit of the Commissioner in consultation with the independent Public Appointments Service.

I am advised that the intention is to open the 2025 campaign in the coming weeks. Details of the campaign will be accompanied by a public awareness campaign through traditional and social media channels.

I am advised that a total of 631 trainees commenced training in the Garda College during 2024 across four intakes. This includes 162 trainees who entered the College in December.

I can further inform the Deputy that 599 Probationer Gardaí attested in 2024 and were assigned to operational duties in stations across the State.

In relation to security clearance and vetting, An Garda Síochána is unique in that it is not only the national police service but also the State's security service. As members of An Garda Síochána may be required to fulfil both of these roles throughout their careers, more stringent criteria apply than those in place across the wider Civil and Public Services. I am assured that every effort is made to process security clearance and vetting for applicants to An Garda Síochána as expeditiously as possible, without compromising the integrity of the system.

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