Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
203. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress which has been made in recruiting Garda reserves in view of the fact that funding has been provided to recruit 300 Garda reserves in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress which has been made in recruiting Garda recruits in view of the fact that funding has been provided to recruit 800 Garda recruits in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42539/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 2,400 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next three years in addition to the 2,000 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014.
The workforce plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner that, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016. In addition to this, a further 800 Garda trainees are expected to attest in 2018.
I am pleased to announce today that I have secured sufficient funding to provide for the recruitment of another 800 new Garda recruits in 2018, which will ensure that the planned Garda strength of 15,000 by 2021 remains on course.
In relation to the Garda Reserve, which has significant potential to be a visible presence on the ground, engaging with local communities funding has been provided for the recruitment of 300 new Reserves this year. That process is well under way with the Public Appointments Service undertaking the selection process on behalf of the Commissioner. It is expected that successful candidates from will enter training early in the New Year. I am also pleased that Budget 2018 will facilitate the continued strengthening of the Reserve next year.
