Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:71. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the last Garda recruitment campaign was held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 December 2020
Ceisteanna (71)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees, with the final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, managed by the Commissioner.
I understand that the last Garda recruitment campaign was held in April 2019, and there are currently 788 candidates at various stages of the vetting, medical and physical competence elements of the recruitment process.
An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now some 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide. Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff.
The 620 new recruits will mainly be drawn from the above group if they are successful in the three elements. I am informed that medicals and physical competence tests are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is expected that a new Recruitment Campaign will launch in 2021.