Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider reviewing the Garda vetting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68330/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.

The Garda Vetting Review Group was established with a primary focus to deliberate and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner.

The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. This group included members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant stakeholders.

The Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.

While the Group has not agreed a formal report, an update on its work was submitted to me and work is being undertaken to implement a number of key recommendations, in consultation with all relevant partners.

It is my aim to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and future-proofed to the greatest extent possible, to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recruits he expects to graduate at the next passing out ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68305/25]

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the next passing out ceremony will take place in the Garda College in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68304/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 133 together.

Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of €2.59 billion to support recruitment and staffing.

At the end of October, the total Garda personnel strength stood at over 18,000, which included 14,290 Garda Members, 3,487 Staff, and 291 Reserves. I will continue to support An Garda Síochána to increase this number further so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all across the country.

170 Garda recruits entered Templemore on 9 June 2025 as part of Intake 252. Intake 252 are expected to pass out of Templemore in February 2026.