Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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261. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has considered a recruitment scheme or campaign that would see former Defence Forces personnel join An Garda Síochána at a point on the salary scale that takes into account their period of service and rank in the Defence Forces. [5378/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My first priority as Minister for Justice is to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment and appropriate civilianisation where possible. The Programme for Government commits to recruiting at least 5,000 Gardaí in the coming five years. A new recruitment process commenced this month and will remain open for applications until 27th February. The overall Garda workforce, which includes Gardaí, civilian staff and Reserves is higher than it’s ever been at 18,000.

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including investment in recruitment, equipment, technology and in buildings. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.

I am informed by Garda Management that no such scheme currently exists, however, a number of recruits do come from the Defence Forces to join An Garda Síochána under the current recruitment model. Their experience is extremely valuable, as is the diverse experience of recruits from other fields of work.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no direct role in the Garda recruitment process.

However, I can advise the Deputy that I welcomed the 2025 Garda Trainee Recruitment campaign which opened on 6 February 2025. The response to last year’s Garda recruitment campaign was very strong. These competitions are allowing for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through to next year and beyond.

A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established, chaired by a Deputy Secretary General in my Department, to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will keep me informed on actions being taken to maximise future intakes and to ensure recruitment can be as effective as possible. The Group will also provide a final report to me by the summer which I expect will include further measures to support recruitment and retention.