Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
786. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to the commitment in the Programme for Government to increased commitment at Templemore, what new measures will be taken to increase capacity; the current capacity; what he expects it to increase to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
A group was established last year to review Garda Trainee recruitment and training capacity and is chaired at Deputy Secretary General level by my Department. The matters raised by the Deputy are being considered as part of that process. As such, a detailed estimate of potential costs associated with expanding the current capacity to provide training for Garda Trainees is not available at this time.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the priorities in the Programme for Government have been agreed by the new Government and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme.
Work to progress these commitments has commenced, however the Deputy will appreciate that timelines or operational details on proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.
