Alan Kelly
Question:287. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice how many gardaí were attested with full powers in the calendar year 2023. [11371/24]
View answerThursday, 7 March 2024
Questions (287)
Written answers
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. An Garda Síochána has been allocated unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for 2024 – this is a 25% increase since 2020. This funding will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
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 and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
There are currently around 14,000 Garda members across the country and it is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024.
I am advised that 746 trainee Gardaí entered Templemore in 2023, the highest number to enter Templemore since 2018. I am also advised that 388 new Gardaí attested in 2023 and were allocated to Garda stations nationwide.
The Deputy may be aware that there was very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 6,300 applications. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period. The Garda Commissioner has also confirmed that he has requested the Public Appointments Service to undertake a Garda Reserve competition at the earliest possible date.
Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
All information is operational and may be subject to change.