Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí currently assigned in the Castlerea, Roscommon and Ballinasloe Garda districts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

While by law the distribution of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need.

When allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan, population stats, crime trends and ongoing Garda operations.

The Commissioner keeps the allocation of Garda resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 January 2025, the latest date for which figures are available, there was a total Garda workforce of almost 18,000 including staff and reserves.

There are 14,167 Garda members across the country which is an increase of around 9% since 2015.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí assigned to Castlerea, Roscommon and Ballinasloe up to 31 January 2025 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 3 Garda members assigned to Ballinasloe, 10 to Castlerea, and 16 to Roscommon. Please note that this information is operational and subject to change.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of graduates he expects to pass out of Templemore this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My first priority as Minister for Justice is to get more Gardaí out on our streets, including through increased recruitment.

The Programme for Government commits to recruiting 5,000 Gardaí over the next five years. In order to meet that figure, we need to increase the capacity of Templemore and that is something that I as Minister, my officials and the Garda Commissioner are working towards

A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will examine actions to maximise future intakes and to ensure recruitment can be as effective as possible. The Group is due to provide me with a final report by the summer

The number of graduates expected to pass out of Templemore this year is based on three intakes to the Garda College in June, September and December 2024 of 157, 125, and 162 respectively and the March 2025 intake of 201. On that basis, I am advised by the Garda authorities that between 630-640- trainees will attest this year.

Both my Department and An Garda Síochána will work together to ensure the figures for the coming years reflect the commitments of the Programme for Government. Progress is already being made in this regard as evidenced by the March intake of 201 trainee Gardaí to Templemore which was the highest since 2019.

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 and I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he plans to run a second competition later this year to ensure a continuous flow of trainees to the College.