Jim O'Callaghan
Question:
282. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of competitions, by rank, that were held for gardaí to apply to join Garda armed support units in 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of gardaí, by rank, who applied for each competition for GASU, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26782/24]
View answer
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 25 June 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of competitions, by rank, that were held for gardaí to apply to join Garda armed support units in 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of gardaí, by rank, that applied for each competition for GASU, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, as well as for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána 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 its vital policing work. This funding has enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units, including the Armed Support Unit.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is currently one national competition, that proceeded throughout 2023 to date, to fill vacancies within the Garda Armed Support Units.
I am further informed that a total of 633 Garda members applied for this competition, comprising of 572 Gardaí and 61 Sergeants.
I hope the above is of assistance.
