Alan Kelly
Ceist:334. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the plans he has in the future to train Gardaí in locations other than the current Garda training college in Templemore. [14791/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 27 March 2025
Ceisteanna (334)
Freagraí scríofa
I am committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. I will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including investment in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings.
Over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána in 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.
Significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; the age of entry has increased from 35 to 50; and the mandatory retirement age has been raised to 62.
The impacts of these changes have been positive so far with the latest Garda recruitment campaign launched in February and receiving over 6,700 applications. In addition, the Garda College, on 10 March 2025, welcomed 201 candidates to begin training which represents the highest Intake since 2019.
The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enhance recruitment to An Garda Síochána. These include commitments to:
• Enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years
• Continue to support and expand the Garda Training College in Templemore
• Reform the Garda recruitment and training processes to increase capacity and to widen the talent pool which will include expanding capacity at Templemore Garda Training College
• Consider the establishment of a second Garda training college.
A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established, chaired by my Department, to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will keep me informed on actions being taking to maximise future intakes and to ensure the 2025 recruitment can be as effective as possible.
The Group’s work is ongoing and all options to enhance recruitment are being considered, including the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to training capacity. I look forward to the submission of the final report to me in the summer.