Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
999. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice what actions are being taken to improve the retention and recruitment levels in An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56423/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
As the Deputy may be aware, a new Garda Recruitment competition was launched on 15 January. I am very pleased to see Garda recruits once again regularly entering training at Templemore, and this competition will ensure there is a continuous pipeline of new trainees.
We have put in place measures to make a career in An Garda Síochána more attractive and to lower the barriers to access by increasing the training allowance paid to trainees to €305 per week and increasing the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50.
During 2023 we have seen recruitment into An Garda Síochána gain real momentum. While there were 319 retirements and 169 resignations in 2023, 746 trainees entered Templemore last year. This is the highest intake into the Garda college since 2018.
While of course we don't want to see members leaving An Garda Síochána, the numbers leaving remain low. As of November 2023, there were just under 14,000 Garda members with the rate of resignations currently at approximately 1%.
An Garda Síochána have recently introduced their own exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign and, where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. These voluntary exit interviews are conducted by a chartered occupational psychologist working within the Garda Human Resources and People Development department.
And with unprecedented funding recently allocated for equipment and wellbeing initiatives, and recent increases in frontline supervisors, I believe those who join will be supported as they take on what I know can be a challenging job.
Both myself and the Commissioner fully recognise that policing is often difficult, challenging but very rewarding work. I am immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.
