Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
641. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to review allowing Garda trainees to undergo part of their training course in regionally based universities or technological universities as of July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-trained Garda Síochána is a key aspect of this policy.
A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established, chaired by my Department, to support the achievement of increased recruitment and ensure that these recruitment campaigns are impactful. They are working to progress short, medium and long term initiatives to ensure a consistent and efficient recruitment pipeline for Garda Trainees.
The Group will provide a final report to me shortly which I expect will include further measures to support recruitment and capacity.
I am informed that the initial work of the group will focus on the development of capacity for the Garda College to ensure that the Programme for Government commitments around Garda numbers can be facilitated as quickly as possible.
Consideration of other changes, such as regional training will be part of the policy work of my Department in the medium-term and I can assure the Deputy that any initiative that has the potential to increase the pool of recruits to An Garda Síochána will be considered.
