Pa Daly
Ceist:
472. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of reserve Gardaí who have been attested to date from Garda College in Templemore from the first intake in December 2006; the number of reserve Gardaí currently remaining in the force; and the number of reserve Gardaí who obtained their Annual Allowance in 2023. [21821/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
It has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 14 May 2024 where you sought: “The number of reserve Gardaí who have been attested to date from the Garda College in Templemore from the first intake in December 2006; the number of reserve Gardaí currently remaining in the force; and the number of reserve Gardaí who obtained their Annual Allowance in 2023.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand. As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána.
I can assure you that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
Part of this commitment is to increase the strength of the Garda Reserve to 1,000 by 2026. As you are aware, in June, I welcomed the launch of the latest Garda Reserve recruitment campaign by An Garda Síochána. This competition closed on 4 July and the strong response received underlines the commitment that so many people have towards their communities.
I am pleased to inform you that earlier this year I introduced new Regulations which determine the work of the Garda reserve. These Regulations will ensure new Reserves are trained efficiently and to a high standard, allow for the effective deployment of Garda Reserve members, and update Reserve members’ hours on duty. These changes provide for a more modern approach and will provide more avenues for Reserves to make their communities safer.
I have also secured an increase in the tax-free stipend to be paid to Reserve Members. A graduated scale of stipend, up to a maximum of €3,000, will apply depending on the total number of hours volunteered.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, since 15 December 2006, 1,706 trainees have attested as Reserve members in An Garda Síochána. I am further advised that, as of 31 May 2024, there were 329 Reserve members across all Divisions.
I understand that 140 Reserve members claimed the annual allowance in 2023.
I hope this information is of assistance.
