Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which provision can be made to increase the throughput of gardaí from Templemore to meet current and expanding needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44099/23]
View answerThe unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
This level of funding is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with a new batch of recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks this year. I am delighted that the fourth class of 2023 will commence in the Garda College on next Monday, with approximately 125 new Gardaí due to attest on this Friday. Thanks to the funding provided in yesterday’s Budget, this recruitment activity will continue through 2024 with a view to recruiting between 800 and 1000 Gardaí next year.
There has been an acceleration in the number of recruits entering Templemore. This follows the closure of the Garda College during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the very challenging recruitment situation, against a background of record full employment, it is notable that An Garda Síochána continue to attract a large number of quality candidates who want to join the service.
The Commissioner and his team continue to keep this under review to ensure that Garda recruitment and retention strategies are as effective as possible and the additional funding made available by the Government in Budget 2024 will provide for an increase in the allowance payable to Garda trainees to €305.
I have asked the Commissioner to consider what the minimum recruitment age should be, and I am awaiting his proposals. I am also in discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, regarding the Garda retirement age.
