Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
528. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of members of An Garda Síochána that have been trained in mountain bike use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47458/26]
View answer529. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the frequency with which training undertaken for members of An Garda Síochána for mountain bike use; when was the last set of training; when is the next set of training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47459/26]
View answer530. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of members of An Garda Síochána that are currently on a waiting list for training for mountain bike use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47460/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 528, 529 and 530 together.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes all operational policing matters such as the recruitment and training of Gardaí. Under Section 34(1) of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions.
Garda authorities have provided the below table which provides a breakdown of the number of members of An Garda Síochána that have trained in mountain bike use in 2023, 2024, 2025, and as of 18 June 2026.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
220 |
158 |
136 |
12 |
I am advised by the Garda authorities that non-serving members and members on a career break have been removed and that only those who have successfully completed each course have been included.
I am informed by Garda authorities that on average two mountain bike training courses are scheduled from March to September each year. As EU Presidency training took priority for the first six months of 2026, one course was delivered in April 2026 and further courses will be scheduled before the end of this year with dates to be confirmed.
The Garda authorities have further advised that there are currently 13 divisions awaiting training for mountain bike use. 12 participants are facilitated on each course.
