Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
640. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of competitions held in 2024 and to-date in 2025 for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the divisional protective services bureau; and the number of Gardai, by rank that applied in each competition to join the bureau, in tabular form. [65450/25]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains an absolute priority for this Government, for my Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - which ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance - was an action under both the 'Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland' and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’. There is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.
In relation to the Deputy's questions concerning the number of competitions held in 2024 and to-date in 2025 for sworn Gardaí to apply to join DPSUs and the number of Gardai, by rank that applied in each competition to join the bureaus, An Garda Síochána has provided my Department with the information sought, which is outlined in the tables below.
2024
|
Division/Bureau |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
|
Garda National Protective Services Bureau |
158 |
35 |
6 |
|
DMR South |
23 |
5 |
N/A |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
16 |
4 |
N/A |
|
Cork County |
19 |
N/A |
N/A |
2025
|
Division/Bureau |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
|
Laois/Offaly |
13 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
11 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Wicklow/Wexford |
N/A |
4 |
N/A |
An Garda Síochána has further advised that three further Divisional competitions have been approved for DPSU, in respect of DMR South, Donegal and Mayo/Roscommon/Longford. The advertisements for these competitions are currently being drafted.
