Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1141. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has commissioned any survey work with regard to obstacles to recruitment into An Garda Síochána; and if so, the insights garnered from such an essential process, given the challenges in terms of Garda recruitment. [1780/24]
View answerThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings.
Budget 2024 provides an allocation of €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána – this is a 23% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no direct role in the Garda recruitment process.
I can confirm that while my Department has not commissioned any surveys regarding Garda recruitment, we continue to monitor all aspects of Garda recruitment and retention. Additionally, I have regular meetings with the Garda Commissioner to discuss all Garda matters, including recruitment, and there is ongoing engagement between officials in my Department and Garda senior management on such issues.
The Garda Commissioner has confirmed that An Garda Síochána are devising a recruitment and retention strategy for the organisation.
In 2023 we saw recruitment into An Garda Síochána gain real momentum. And with unprecedented funding recently allocated for equipment and wellbeing initiatives, and recent increases in frontline supervisors, I believe those who join will be supported as they take on what I know can be a challenging job. The Deputy will also be aware that this year's Garda recruitment campaign opened on Monday, 15 January and will close on Thursday, 8 February.
We have significantly increased the training allowance for trainee Gardaí, to €305 per week. Given that, and the decision to increase the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50, I believe we are opening up policing as a career option to a new cohort of people who will bring a range of different life and career experiences to the table.
Policing is a career in which no two days will be the same. It can be exciting, rewarding and undoubtedly challenging, but it offers a great opportunity to have a positive impact in the community and to be a part of a modern, inclusive police service that has the respect and trust of the Irish public.
I encourage anyone who believes they can make a positive contribution as a Garda to consider putting their name forward.
