Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2024
94. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the next two dates Garda recruits will attest from Templemore training college; and the next two dates new Garda recruits will enter the college, in tabular form. [26475/24]
View answerThis year I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase on 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of Garda recruits in 2024.
I have taken a number of measures to support increased recruitment into the Gardaí. This includes a 66% increase in the training allowance and increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50. The Government has also agreed to increase the mandatory retirement age for Garda members from 60 to 62.
A total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. That was the highest intake in any year since 2018.
There are currently three classes in training in the Garda College, two having entered in 2023 and one in April this year. These trainees are expected to attest in June, September and December. Based on the current numbers, indications are that between 600 and 700 new Gardaí will attest this year.
As the Deputy knows, the Garda College was closed to new recruits during Covid and it is only since the pandemic restrictions were lifted that recruitment has fully resumed.
185 new recruits entered the College in April this year, the first class of 2024, and represents the highest intake since Covid. Three further intakes are planned for July, September and December of this year.
It is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024. I expect the number of Garda members to grow during 2024 and continue to rise towards the current target of 15,000 during 2025.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the below table outlines the provisional dates for the next two intakes and attestations this year. Please be advised these dates are subject to change.
|
Date of Attestation |
28.06.2024 |
20.09.2024 |
||
|
Date of Commencement |
01.07.2024 |
23.09.2024 |
