Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
455. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of new recruits to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of retirements from An Garda Síochána in the corresponding timeframe; and the number of resignations from An Garda Síochána. [42835/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2023, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment as well as investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
This level of funding is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks. Whilst the necessary temporary closure of the Garda College during the Covid-19 pandemic put an unfortunate pause on recruitment, the number of recruits has continued to grow in each class following the re-opening of the college.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, a total of 4,116 new recruits have attested as Gardaí and been assigned to duties nationwide. This includes the 2,544 Probationer Gardaí who have attested since 2018.
The table below sets out the number of Gardaí attested by year since 2018 up to 28 July 2023 (the date of the latest attestation). A further attestation is due to be held later in October.
|
Probationer Gardaí |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total |
|
Total |
789 |
605 |
522 |
148 |
369 |
111 |
2,544 |
In addition to the 111 new Gardaí that have attested so far this year, another 470 have begun active training, with two more classes due into Templemore in October and December.
The table below sets out the number of Garda resignations from 2018 up to 2022, and at the end of September 2023
|
Year |
Resignations |
|
2018 |
77 |
|
2019 |
72 |
|
2020 |
70 |
|
2021 |
94 |
|
2022 |
109 |
|
2023 (end September) |
114 |
|
Total |
536 |
The table below sets out the number of Garda retirements from 2018 up to 2022, and at the end of September 2023
|
Year |
Voluntary Retirements |
Compulsory Retirements |
Cost Neutral Early Retirements |
Annual Total Retirements |
|
2018 |
175 |
40 |
3 |
218 |
|
2019 |
160 |
60 |
3 |
223 |
|
2020 |
213 |
34 |
3 |
250 |
|
2021 |
213 |
78 |
3 |
294 |
|
2022 |
260 |
79 |
1 |
340 |
|
2023* (as of end September ) |
165 |
51 |
7 |
223 |
|
Total |
1186 |
342 |
20 |
1548 |
To note, all information supplied is operational and subject to change.
