Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
821. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda recruits to the training college in the years 2024 and 2025, by intake and the number that attested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/26]
View answer823. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of intakes which are projected to Templemore for new Garda training in 2026; the expected dates of those; the number currently in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 823 together.
Getting more Gardaí on our streets is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of over €2.74 billion.
The first of four intakes planned for 2026 entered the Garda training College on Monday 9 February. Intake 261 saw 215 recruits enter Templemore, making it the third intake in a row with 200 or more recruits entering the college. The dates of future intakes will coincide with the attestation of intakes that are currently undergoing training.
The following data for intakes to the college from 2024 to Q1 2026 has been provided to me by Garda authorities:
|
Intake Number |
Intake Date |
Intake Total |
Attestation Date |
Attested Total |
|
Intake 241 |
8-Apr-24 |
186 |
13-Dec-24 |
169 |
|
Intake 242 |
1-Jul-24 |
157 |
7-Mar-25 |
151 |
|
Intake 243 |
23-Sep-24 |
125 |
6-Jun-25 |
120 |
|
Intake 244 |
16-Dec-24 |
162 |
22-Aug-25 |
154 |
|
Intake 251 |
10-Mar-25 |
201 |
14-Nov-25 |
194 |
|
Intake 252 |
9-Jun-25 |
170 |
6-Feb-26 |
167 |
|
Intake 253 |
25-Aug-25 |
200 |
May 2026 |
TBC |
|
Intake 254 |
17-Nov-25 |
223 |
July 2026 |
TBC |
|
Intake 255 |
9-Feb-26 |
215 |
October 2026 |
TBC |
There are many circumstances under which a Garda trainee may not complete training with their initial intake including, but not limited to, reversion to another intake due to injury/medical issues, maternity leave or academic suspension. The Deputy will also be aware that like in any other career, an individual may choose to leave the training program if they decide it is not right for them, however, the numbers who do not complete training are low.
