Written answers
Thursday, 3 July 2025
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí at each level in An Garda Síochána from trainee Garda to Commissioner who, prior to joining An Garda Síochána, had served in police services of other states, including specifying which police service, for the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36953/25]
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of all refurbishment or expansion planned for Garda training college in the next five years including projected costs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36955/25]
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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By law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all decisions related to the upgrade of the Garda Estate. Works on the Estate are undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in cooperation with the Garda Authorities. This includes planning and completion matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2023-2030 was developed following detailed engagement between An Garda Síochána, the OPW and my Department. This Programme identifies a series of estate projects reflecting Garda priorities and emerging needs. The provision of upgraded, refurbished and additional contemporary Garda facilities nationwide is included in this Programme. A number of these Capital projects are at various stages of development and are being delivered in conjunction with the OPW.
Following the formation of the current Government this year, a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) is required. In that context, a review of the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2025-2035 is now ongoing, having regard to the current, medium- and long-term needs of An Garda Síochána.
More specifically, An Garda Síochána, with OPW, are considering options to expand the capacity of the Garda College in Templemore so that higher numbers can be trained each year, in order to meet the Programme For Government commitment to recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí. This work is at an early stage and is still being scoped.
I am aware that there are current plans to carry out significant refurbishment to the roof at the Garda College. This project is currently in the tender assessment stage.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who retired in each of the past five years, and in to date in 2025, upon reaching 30 years of service, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36961/25]
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently working in the protective services units in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36962/25]
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a central priority for me, this Government, for the Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.The Strategy has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána and my Department are continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the system, so that victims will feel empowered to come forward and report what has happened to them and get justice.An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
There is now a DPSU in every Garda Division.
An Garda Síochána have advised that there are a total of 428 gardaí working in Protective Services Units as of the 31 May 2025. The table at the following link offers a breakdown of staffing numbers by division.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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309. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the annual cost of increasing the strength of the roads policing unit of An Garda Síochána by 100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36965/25]
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
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