Brendan Smith
Ceist:108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there will be a Garda recruitment campaign in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 4 December 2025
Ceisteanna (108)
Freagraí scríofa
Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of €2.59 billion to support recruitment and staffing.
In order to provide a steady pipeline of Garda trainees over the coming years, it is intended that Garda recruitment campaigns will run annually.
My Department continues to engage with An Garda Síochána and Public Jobs with regard to the appropriate timing for the next Garda Recruitment campaign. The timing of Garda recruitment competitions is a matter for the Garda Commissioner working with publicjobs. Competitions are held with a view to ensuring that there is a constant stream of candidates available to enter the Garda College.
An Garda Síochána and my Department are confident there is a sufficient pipeline of candidates available for intakes to the Garda College in early 2026. An Garda Síochána are also continuing to progress works in the Garda College to maximise capacity for Garda Trainee intakes in 2026.
Interest in a career as a Garda is high, with over 11,000 applications received over the two competitions this year.
794 trainees have also entered the Garda College this year, the highest number since 2018.
Significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including by increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50; and raising the mandatory retirement age to 62.
The Government has provided the funding to allow for sustained recruitment and, as I have outlined, is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs.