Written Answers Nos. 471-490
471. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice whether she can provide information in respect of the inquest into a person (details supplied); when the inquest is due to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the significance and sensitivity of the coronial investigation process for loved ones of the bereaved and that delays in coronial investigations can cause distress for families of the deceased.
Coronial investigations are however the responsibility of coroners who are independent of my Department in the exercise of their statutory death investigation function. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, can interfere with a Coroner in the exercise of their statutory function.
I am however advised that Dublin Coroner has assembled all the documentation that is required to schedule the inquest, but is aware that there is a Report in preparation from the Inspector of Prisons and intends to await its publication prior to holding the inquest.
472. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice her plans to extend the number of hours per week that non-EEA students holding Stamp 2 visas are permitted to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36068/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students. My Department engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectorial stakeholders, in this area.
A Stamp 2 immigration residence permission indicates permission to study a full time course of education on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) for a specified period, subject to conditions.
The primary purpose of the Stamp 2 is to provide opportunities for study in Ireland. All applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. Stamp 2 holders may, however, engage in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.
While the conditions attached to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders, there are no plans to revise the current arrangements.
473. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the position in respect of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
474. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision on their citizenship application. [36082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications based on residency will receive a decision within one year.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
475. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied); when same will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
476. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice the status of a GNIB card (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36089/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to is subject to a Deportation Order and has made a request to have this revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This request was received on 16 September 2024 and will be considered as soon as it is possible to do so.
The decision to ensue from the consideration of this request will be that the existing deportation orders will be either ‘affirmed’ or ‘revoked’. Once this decision has been made, it will be notified to the person concerned in writing.
It should be noted that this request is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, at this point in time, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when this case will be finalised. However, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
477. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has a policy, or has issued guidance to staff on the use of artificial intelligence, large language model, natural language processing, generative or otherwise, or products based thereon in the course of their duties; if this has been communicated to staff; if she will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra478. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if her Department, or any agency under her auspices, has ever used any artificial intelligence software in the preparation of response to parliamentary questions, or in responses to any correspondence from outside the organisation; the details of same if applicable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36164/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 478 together.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in the preparation of responses to parliamentary questions or in responses to any correspondence from outside the organisation.
I am informed by each of the agencies under the aegis of my Department that they do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in the preparation of responses to parliamentary questions or in responses to any correspondence from outside their organisation.
Where appropriate, my Department plans to assess the opportunities presented by all digital tools, including AI software, to enhance service delivery to customers, in full compliance with National Cyber Security Centre (NSSC) advice, and in line with the Government's AI Strategy, "AI – Here for good." As with all new technologies, its adoption will be subject to data privacy and other appropriate legislation, and approval by the Department’s internal governance processes.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued guidance to all Government Departments in June of last year in relation to the use of Generative AI. My Department complies with this guidance and is currently drafting a specific policy on Generative AI which will be circulated to all staff upon completion.
479. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of intakes of recruits the Garda training college can facilitate in a year; and the maximum capacity in each cohort. [36180/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these independent functions.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020, which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
I am advised that there is currently sufficient capacity in Templemore to accommodate planned intakes in the order of 800-1,000 per annum.
The Garda Commissioner has committed to holding annual recruitment competitions and I am committed to providing the support required to grow to 15,000 members and beyond.
480. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of times she, or officials from her Department, have met with officials from the Department of Health in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022; and the dates these meetings took place. [36184/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol intends to modernise our existing licensing laws in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society, and to encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy.
The proposed legislation endeavours to strike a balance between maintaining strict controls and safeguards in relation to the sale of alcohol, while providing support to those involved in our night time economy.
Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, Ireland has, for many decades, operated a restrictive regime for licencing. The General Scheme of the bill retains that approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.
A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. More than 5,000 responses were received.
These included responses from Alcohol Action Ireland; Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force; The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland; The Health Service Executive Alcohol Programme; Institute of Public Health; Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network and National Suicide Research Foundation. Department officials also met with Alcohol Action Ireland in January 2023 to discuss the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022.
On the 24 January 2023 and 31 January 2023, the Joint Committee on Justice held Pre-Legislative Scrutiny for the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022. The Committee held a public engagement with stakeholders, including Alcohol Action Ireland, Institute of Public Health and Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network. The Committee also invited submissions from these bodies on the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022.
My Department engaged with the Department of Health via the formal consultation process on all memoranda to Government concerning the Sale of Alcohol Bill. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health on the matter.
481. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the list of all external agencies, organisations and or bodies that officials from her Department have met with in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022; and the dates these meetings took place. [36185/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThroughout the development of the Sale of Alcohol Bill, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with stakeholders, including other Government Departments, Government agencies, the Health Service Executive, representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in relation to the proposed legislation.
My Department also engaged with the Department of Health via the formal consultation process on all memoranda to Government concerning the Sale of Alcohol Bill. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health on the matter.
A list of external agencies, organisations and bodies that officials from my Department have met with in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022, and the dates these meeting took place, is provided in the table below. The list refers to meetings that took place between 1st January 2020 and10th September 2024. My Department also met with a number of other Government Departments as part of this process:
|
Agency/organisation/body |
Meeting date |
|
Alcohol Action Ireland |
27/01/2023 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
26/05/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
25/08/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
29/09/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
10/11/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
01/12/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
22/12/2021 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
26/01/2022 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
06/12/2022 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
21/09/2023 |
|
Courts Service |
26/05/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
23/06/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
25/08/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
29/09/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
10/11/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
01/12/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
22/12/2021 |
|
Courts Service |
26/01/2022 |
|
Courts Service |
16/02/2022 |
|
Courts Service |
30/11/2022 |
|
Courts Service |
30/03/2023 |
|
Courts Service |
03/05/2023 |
|
Courts Service |
10/05/2023 |
|
Courts Service |
03/07/2023 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
18/01/2023 |
|
Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) |
07/02/2023 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
26/05/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
23/06/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
25/08/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
29/09/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
10/11/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
01/12/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
22/12/2021 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
26/01/2022 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
16/02/2022 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
01/03/2022 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
09/03/2022 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
30/03/2023 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
03/05/2023 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
10/05/2023 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
30/05/2023 |
|
Private Security Authority |
08/11/2022 |
|
Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) |
22/11/2022 |
|
National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) |
30/11/2022 |
|
University of Stirling |
07/12/2022 |
|
Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) |
14/02/2023 |
|
Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) |
21/11/2022 |
|
Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) |
04/04/2023 |
482. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice when she expects a determination to be made on the naturalisation application made by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36232/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications based on residency will receive a decision within one year.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
483. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for international protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36239/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.?
My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:
?“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.
As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an?update on the status of their case.
Contact information for The International Protection Office can be found at? Contact Us - International Protection Office (ipo.gov.ie)
Contact information for The International Protection Appeals Tribunal can be found at Contact Us - IPAT (protectionappeals.ie)
Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants as set out in the International Protection 2015 Act.
484. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that were accepted at interview and offered training but who did not take up their offer in 2024. [36314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
485. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that have been recruited in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020, which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. I am advised by the Garda authorities that this has seen an increase to over fourteen thousand Garda members nationwide, representing an increase of 10% since the end of December 2015.
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff.
A Garda recruitment competition was launched on 15 January 2024 and closed for applications on 8 February. The response to this year’s Garda recruitment campaign was very strong. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 6,381 people applied.
I am informed that the first intake into the Garda College in 2024 was on 8 April and 186 Trainees commenced training on that date. The second intake into the Garda College was on 1 July with 157 Trainees commencing training. I am also informed that there are a further two intakes planned in 2024. The next intake is scheduled for 23 September and the intake is currently being finalised.
Since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 4,716 Garda members have attested and have been allocated to Garda stations nationwide. This includes the 322 probationer who have attested to date this year.
The table below sets out the number of trainees who entered the Garda college in 2023 and up to July 2024 and the number of Garda members who attested in that time.
|
Year |
Entered Garda college |
Attested in year |
|
2023 |
746 |
388 |
|
2024 |
345 |
322 |
|
Total |
1,091 |
710 |
For your information, there are two further attestation dates currently scheduled in 2024, one this month and one in December. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
486. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that have retired in the past 12 months; to provide a breakdown of the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36316/24]
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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy 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 more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
The Deputy may be aware, at the beginning of September, the Government also increased the age of retirement from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations. It is clear that there is a real appetite for this in An Garda Síochána. Since 2020 my department has processed almost 180 requests for retirement extensions.
Increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer. It is also important that An Garda Síochána, as an organisation, retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible.
The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have retired from the force, for the year 2023 and up to the end of July 2024.
|
Year |
Retired |
|
2023 |
319 |
|
2024 |
154 |
|
Total |
473 |
Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Retirements are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: QUESTION NO: 486
DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice (Deputy Helen McEntee)
by Deputy Verona Murphy
for WRITTEN ANSWER on 18/09/2024
To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that have retired in the past 12 months; to provide a breakdown of the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY.
As 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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy 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 more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
The Deputy may be aware, at the beginning of September, the Government also increased the age of retirement from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations. It is clear that there is a real appetite for this in An Garda Síochána. Since 2020 my department has processed almost 180 requests for retirement extensions.
Increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer. It is also important that An Garda Síochána, as an organisation, retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible.
The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have retired from the force, for the year 2023 and up to the end of July 2024.
|
Year |
Retired |
|
2023 |
319 |
|
2024 |
154 |
|
Total |
473 |
Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Retirements are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing Authority - Garda
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for June from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the number of Gardaí on various leaves/secondments is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for June from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
487. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda recruits currently undergoing training in Templemore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36317/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I can, however, assure the Deputy 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 more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
To assist with recruitment, the Government has increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond.
To be of assistance I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that, as of 13 September, the number of recruits undergoing training in the Garda College, Templemore is 434.
For the Deputy's information, two further intakes into the College are planned for this year as well as two further attestations of Probationer Gardaí. These attestations will be this month and in December.
488. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to expand the training college in Templemore; if any consideration has been given to creating a second Garda training college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36318/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all decisions related to the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised that there is currently sufficient capacity in Templemore to accommodate planned intakes in the order of 800-1,000 per annum. That said, capacity is kept under constant review to ensure that it is sufficient to meet demand into the future, having regard to the target strength of sworn members and the level of retirements/resignations.
In the meantime, An Garda Síochána is working closely with the OPW to develop a plan to upgrade elements of the training college on a phased basis, to provide enhanced facilities at Templemore.
I have consistently said that no action is off the table when it comes to supporting Garda recruitment. I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group to make recommendations on additional actions to increase recruitment, and that will report to me shortly.
489. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí that have resigned from the force in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36319/24]
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 Human Resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy 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 more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges and the Deputy may already be aware that I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group, with recommendations due shortly. To assist with recruitment, the Government has increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond.
The table below, sets out the number of Garda members nationwide who have resigned from the force, for the years 2020 up to the end of July 2024.
|
Year |
Resignations |
|
2020 |
68 |
|
2021 |
95 |
|
2022 |
110 |
|
2023 |
171 |
|
2024 (as of 31 July) |
88 |
|
Total |
532 |
Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Resignations are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing Authority - Garda
490. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if exit interviews are conducted with members of An Garda Síochána who resign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36320/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána introduced an exit interview process in May 2023, to better understand why colleagues choose to resign, and to support An Garda Síochána in seeking to address issues which may influence retention.
To date, 132 voluntary exit interviews have been conducted in person or online with departing members and staff, by a chartered occupational psychologist working within An Garda Síochána.
Analysis will be required to determine some of the trends emerging from the exit interviews that have been carried out to date.
An Garda Síochána is working closely with key partners to explore every opportunity to bolster both the recruitment and retention of Garda members in the immediate and longer terms. A confidential exit questionnaire is in the final stage of development and will increase the capacity of the organisation to collate, analyse and act upon the data gathered from colleagues who have chosen to resign.
