I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 to 574, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I have no direct role in such matters.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) administers the initial stages of any recruitment competition for An Garda Síochána on behalf of the Commissioner, including any panels associated with those competitions. PAS is the independent body responsible for public service recruitment under the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
The Government is committed however to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources necessary to carry out their vital service, demonstrated by the unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023. This level of funding will provide a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming year.