As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the training of Garda members and staff, and personnel matters such as promotions. As Minister, I play no direct role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that training continues to be made available to An Garda Síochána on a fulltime basis and is continuously updated to reflect current legislative changes. I am further informed that the 2022 training plan for An Garda Síochána is currently being prepared and follows an in-depth training needs analysis by the organisation.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that the training and working conditions in the Garda College remain adequate to meet the challenges of a modern police force.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently introduced new regulations which will significantly reform the promotion process for the key Garda ranks of sergeants and inspectors and pave the way for the promotion of hundreds of members of An Garda Síochána.
The Government is committed to ongoing recruitment into An Garda Síochána as well as allowing for promotional opportunities within the service. Together, these moves will both strengthen An Garda Síochána with new recruits and increase supervision and mentoring within the organisation.
