Members of the Joint Committee on Justice visit the Garda Training College, Templemore

The purpose of the visit to the Garda Training College was for the Committee to gain a first-hand understanding of the type of training provided to Garda Recruits in preparation for their roles as Members of An Garda Síochána.

Speaking after the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy James Lawless TD said “Our visit today really compliments the information we have been receiving over the last few weeks in our meetings with the Minister, Commissioner and representative bodies.

We have heard from the representative bodies and from our own contacts that recruitment and retention is an ongoing issue for the force so we wanted to visit the coal face and see how the new entrants are faring out and what challenges may exist.

We received very informative briefings today on learning and development structures for recruits, management and professional development and crime specialist and operational skills. The importance of the Garda Training College cannot be overstated, it is where all of our Gardaí learn their basic core skills before graduating. It is where their journey into law enforcement commences and sets the high standards that all of our Gardaí follow throughout their careers.

Our Committee will continue to keep policing matters a prominent feature on its Work Programme and value these visits and important insights from the stakeholders that attend in order for us to get a clear picture of what is necessary to provide a modern policing service to an ever-evolving Irish society.”

Read more on the work done by the Justice Committee