Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which provision is being made whereby the throughput of gardaí from Templemore is being increased to meet current and expanding needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17775/24]
View answerThis year I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase on 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of Garda recruits in 2024.
Recruitment is now gathering real momentum and the number of recruits in the Garda training college continue to increase; a total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. That was the highest intake in any year since 2018.
There are currently three classes in training in the Garda College, two having entered in 2023 and one earlier this month. These trainees are expected to attest in June, September and December. Based on the current numbers, indications are that between 600 and 700 new Gardaí will attest this year.
185 new recruits entered the College earlier this month, the first class of 2024, and represents the highest intake since the Covid pandemic forced the closure of the college. Three further intakes are planned for July, September and December of this year. Based on the number of applicants and the numbers targeted for the coming intakes, it is envisaged that attestations will increase to between 800 and 1,000 in 2025.
It is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024.
