Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
38. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the action that is planned in relation to increasing Garda numbers, given the Census results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35670/22]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, not least in the context of the growing population referred to. An unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion is provided in Budget 2022 and we will continue to support An Garda Síochána in recruiting Garda members and Garda staff over the coming years, including through the current recruitment process which is identifying candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.
The Deputy may be aware that there was strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member, which is more than double the number of applications from the last competition in 2019. I want to commend An Garda Síochána for the significant efforts that are being made to encourage diversity among members, which is reflective of modern society in Ireland, with notable increases in numbers applying from minority backgrounds including Travellers, Black Irish and Asian Irish.
At the 31 May 2022 there were 14,347 Garda members. These Garda members are supported by 3,124 Garda staff. This represents respective increases of almost 11% and 56% since 2016 when there were 12,943 Garda members and 1,999 Garda staff nationwide.
In addition to plans for continued recruitment and the expansion of the organisation, one of the key objectives in Justice Plan 2022 is the development of An Garda Síochána as a leading edge and accountable policing service through the implementation of A Policing Service for our Future (APSFF). A range of measures are being taken to improve the delivery of policing, to bring more Gardaí to the frontline, and to provide a greater focus on community policing based on local needs. In this regard, I can inform the Deputy that, as of 31 May 2022, a total of 872 members have returned to frontline duties.
