Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
563. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in regard to the recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána the expected time frame for new recruits to commence training in Templemore; when it is expected that attested trainees will be assigned to stations of employment; the number he expects will be attested during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/14]
View answerIt is intended that the first intake of new Garda trainees who have successfully completed all stages of the recruitment process will enter the Garda College in the middle of this year. They will participate in the new training programme over the remainder of 2014 and it is expected that they will attest in early 2015. At that stage they will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner.
My objective is to maintain Garda strength at 13,000 and the number of trainees to be recruited will be determined taking that objective into account along with the rate of departures from the force over the coming years. It is worth noting on this point that, generally speaking, between 300 and 400 Gardaí leave the Force each year for reasons including retirements, medical discharges and dismissals.
