Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
467. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who have been recruited to An Garda Síochána through the Gaeilge stream during the most recent recruitment campaign. [60589/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I have no direct role in such matters.
I can however assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with over €2.14 billion allocated to the Garda Vote in Budget 2023.
As the Deputy will also be aware a new Garda recruitment competition was advertised in February 2022. I am pleased to say that over 11,000 expressed an interest in joining An Garda Síochána and that approximately 5,000 participated in the first round of tests. Interviews are currently taking place in rolling batches.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) has to date advised An Garda Síochána of 24 Irish Stream applicants who have been successful at the initial stages of the competition.
I am also informed that those applicants are now at various stages of the An Garda Síochána selection elements which comprise the Physical Competency Test, Medical and Vetting.
It is anticipated that there will be additional Irish Steam candidates advised to An Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis as the recruitment campaign continues.
