Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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152. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he will take to make a career in An Garda Síochána more attractive for new recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12718/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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We can see clearly that there is strong interest in a career in An Garda Síochána. The latest recruitment campaign took place in February and attracted just over 6,700 applicants. This builds on the 5,000 applications which were received in 2023 and the almost 6,400 last year. I understand a second recruitment campaign will be held later this year.

Last week 201 trainee Gardaí entered Templemore, the largest intake since 2019. It is also the first of four intakes for 2025.A number of significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week, increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50 and increasing the mandatory retirement age to 62. Momentum is continuing to build in the area of recruitment and we can already see the positive effects of these measures.

I will continue to enact legislation and provide resources so that An Garda Síochána can develop the ICT systems and tools to allow them to deliver an effective policing service and to ensure that Gardaí have the best tools at their disposal.

Sustained investment in An Garda Síochána has allowed for the rollout of the proof of concept for body-worn cameras in Waterford, Limerick and Dublin City Centre. Also, all Garda members now have mobile devices with real-time access to apps, eliminating paperwork and allowing Gardaí to carry out their frontline duties far more efficiently. Garda ACTIVE Mobility apps allow members to access their email on the move, check a vehicle’s history and tax status, and enables them to work more efficiently with local business and community groups.

As well as investing in ICT, a number of steps have also been included to improve the protection afforded to Gardaí. It is crucial that Gardaí are safe when they keep our communities safe. These measures include:

• Expansion of public order unit capability through increased training
• Provision of stronger incapacitant spray to all Gardaí
• Provision of smaller round shields to public order units, restraints and additional body armour
• Expansion of the public order fleet, including the procurement of two water cannons
• Increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting a peace officer.