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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Questions (597)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of trainee gardaí currently in training in Templemore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16717/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in these independent matters.

The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, which includes funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, and to preventing crime in all its forms.

I am advised by Garda Authorities that there are 156 recruit Gardaí currently in training.

The Deputy will be aware that a Garda recruitment campaign closed earlier this month and I am advised that there was a strong interest, with over 10,000 applications received. I hugely welcome this significant response to the recent Garda campaign, indicating, as it does, the widespread respect for the important position that Gardaí occupy in our society, as well as the unique contribution that Gardaí can make to the lives of individuals across the country.

Further intakes into the Garda College over the course of the year will be comprised of individuals who are successful in the current recruitment competition, as well as a number of applicants who remain on the panel from previous competitions.

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