I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 413 of 20 February 2024 refers to the number of competitions held for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the National Support Services Unit in 2023 and to date in 2024.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been four competitions held for sworn Gardaí to join the Operational Support Services Unit, formally known as the National Support Services Unit. I am further advised that two of the competitions were held in 2023 and two have been held in 2024, to date.