Written Answers Nos. 388-389
388. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardai within the DMR who successfully completed a HGV course in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and the duration of this course. [20643/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including Garda training. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the HGV training course is considered to be a specialised programme and is only provided occasionally and to a small number of Garda members on receipt of a business case for same. I am further informed that the HGV Category C1 course is four days in duration.
I am advised that fewer than 10 Garda members completed the HGV training course in the DMR in 2022. I am further informed that no Garda members have completed the HGV training course in 2023 and to date in 2024.
I am also advised that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than ten for data protection reasons.
389. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE forensic accountants working in the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [20644/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy 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, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. The 2024 allocation provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, representing a 25% increase since 2020. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of specialist units within An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there was no appointed WTE forensic accountants working in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in 2023 or to date in 2024.
I am further informed that there were 3 Forensic Accountants (WTE) working in the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2023 and this remains unchanged in 2024 to date.
