Seán Haughey
Ceist:48. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if the Government is on course to meet its recruitment target of 1,000 gardaí in 2023. [7515/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 February 2023
Ceisteanna (48)
Freagraí scríofa
At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that we remain committed to the target of 1,000 new recruits in 2023. My Department and I regularly engage with the Garda Commissioner to ensure he has the necessary resources to deliver on this level of recruitment.
With momentum building through the coming year, including the launch of a new recruitment competition planned before Easter, the Commissioner and his team have assured me that the target to recruit 1,000 new Gardaí in 2023 will be achieved this year.
I take great confidence in the level of interest shown in the latest Garda recruitment campaign despite a very competitive job market. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána. I also take confidence knowing that a further recruitment campaign, which will be launched in the coming months, will ensure a pipeline of suitable candidates.
It is clear from the response to last year's competition that, despite intense competition in the employment market, a career in An Garda Síochána is attractive to a large number of people and it is equally clear from the 2022 Garda Culture Audit that Gardaí have high levels of job satisfaction, notwithstanding the risks and challenges associated with their role.