Garda Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Ceisteanna (114)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

114. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and location of specially designated training stations for Garda recruits which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, which include trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory sergeant. [7195/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that all Gardaí recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 undertake the new 2 year training programme which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing and is accredited by the University of Limerick. The programme is the outcome of a comprehensive review of foundation training for entrants to An Garda Síochána and exemplifies best practice.

Phase 1, which lasts 32 weeks, is based in the Garda College and places a strong emphasis on problem-based learning where students learn in small groups through engagement with realistic policing scenarios. This methodology emphasises the development of ‘learning to learn’ skills, the development of reflective practice and supports the transition into learning in an operational policing environment.

Phase 2, which lasts for 65 weeks, is primarily based in Garda stations with appropriate training and development structures in place that include access to a trained tutor Garda and a permanently appointed supervisory sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme. During the course of their placement, trainees move through three development stages from assisting his or her Garda tutor to taking the lead role and being assisted by the tutor, to finally the autonomous stage where they are deployed in regular policing activity and work independently within the operational unit. Over the course of the placement they also return to the Garda College for a number to weeks to further enhance their skills in specialist areas including sexual assault, intelligence –led policing, file preparation and court presentation and so on.

Phase 3 consists of seven weeks of preparation for final exams and assessments.

At the end of Phase 1 successful Garda trainees are attested (i.e. become members of the Garda Síochána with full police powers) and are dispersed to Garda stations throughout the country, where they are assigned to mainstream policing duties. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.

I am informed by the Commissioner that training has been provided to tutor Gardaí and supervisory Sergeants in the 63 designated stations outlined in the following table. This training is provided on an ongoing basis.

Designated Training Garda Stations
1	Anglesea Street Co Cork
2	Ashbourne Co Meath
3	Athlone Co. Westmeath
4	Balbriggan Co Dublin
5	Ballyfermot Dublin
6	Ballymun Dublin
7	Bandon Cork
8	Blackrock Co Dublin
9	Blanchardstown Dublin 15
10	Bray Co Wicklow
11	Bridewell Dublin 8
12	Carlow
13	Castlebar Co Mayo
14	Cavan
15	Clondalkin Dublin
16	Clonmel Co Tipperary
17	Clontarf Dublin
18	Coolock Dublin
19	Crumlin Dublin
20	Drogheda Co Louth
21	Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin
22	Dundalk Co Louth
23	Dundrum Dublin
24	Ennis Co Clare
25	Enniscorthy Co Wexford
26	Finglas Dublin 11
27	Gaillimh
28	Guarranabraher Co Cork
29	Henry Street Limerick
30	Irishtown Dublin
31	Kevin Street Dublin
32	Kildare
33	Kilkenny
34	Killarney Co Kerry
35	Kilmainham Dublin
36	Leixlip Co Kildare
37	Letterkenny Co Donegal
38	Longford
39	Lucan Dublin
40	Mallow Cork
41	Monaghan
42	Mountjoy Dublin
43	Mullingar Co Westmeath
44	Naas Co Kildare
45	Navan Co Meath
46	Newbridge Co Kildare
47	Pearse Street Dublin
48	Portlaoise Co Laois
49	Raheny Dublin
50	Rathmines Dublin
51	Ronanstown Dublin
52	Roxboro Road Limerick
53	Santry Dublin
54	Sligo
55	Store Street Dublin
56	Sundrive Road Dublin
57	Swords Co Dublin
58	Tallaght Dublin
59	Thurles Co Tipperary
60	Togher Co Cork
61	Tralee CO Kerry
62	Waterford
63	Wexford