Denis Naughten
Question:575. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice if a Garda recruitment competition will commence in February 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7660/22]
View answerTuesday, 15 February 2022
Questions (575)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am very pleased that, as we celebrate 100 years of service from An Garda Síochána, the Government is increasing the number of Gardaí on our streets and last week a new recruitment competition was launched by An Garda Síochána.
Budget 2022 includes an unprecedented allocation of in excess of €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, including provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year, and many of the 800 Gardaí to be recruited will be drawn from this competition.
I would urge anyone who wants to join An Garda Síochána to apply for a position in the service, but I would particularly urge women, members of new Irish communities and people from minority groups to consider a career in An Garda Síochána.
Both the Government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service.
The Garda Commissioner has put a welcome focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, as An Garda Síochána seek to embed the principle that human rights are the foundation and the purpose of policing in Ireland.
This has included changes to Garda uniform policy, the establishment of the Garda National Diversity Forum, and representation from diverse and minority communities in the Garda Reserve. An Garda Síochána are working to produce a combined internal and external Equality, Diversity and Integration Strategy early this year.
The recruitment competition is open until 3pm on Wednesday 16 March 2022 and full details can be found at www.publicjobs.ie.