Willie O'Dea
Ceist:155. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the number of graduates he expects to pass out of Templemore this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 March 2025
Ceisteanna (155)
Freagraí scríofa
My first priority as Minister for Justice is to get more Gardaí out on our streets, including through increased recruitment.
The Programme for Government commits to recruiting 5,000 Gardaí over the next five years. In order to meet that figure, we need to increase the capacity of Templemore and that is something that I as Minister, my officials and the Garda Commissioner are working towards
A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will examine actions to maximise future intakes and to ensure recruitment can be as effective as possible. The Group is due to provide me with a final report by the summer
The number of graduates expected to pass out of Templemore this year is based on three intakes to the Garda College in June, September and December 2024 of 157, 125, and 162 respectively and the March 2025 intake of 201. On that basis, I am advised by the Garda authorities that between 630-640- trainees will attest this year.
Both my Department and An Garda Síochána will work together to ensure the figures for the coming years reflect the commitments of the Programme for Government. Progress is already being made in this regard as evidenced by the March intake of 201 trainee Gardaí to Templemore which was the highest since 2019.
We can see clearly that there is strong interest in a career in An Garda Síochána. The latest recruitment campaign took place in February and attracted just over 6,700 applicants and I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he plans to run a second competition later this year to ensure a continuous flow of trainees to the College.