Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1236. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice whether she has given consideration to permitting Irish citizens who are working in police forces in other jurisdictions to be permitted to enter into An Garda Síochána without the necessity of training in Templemore on the basis that they have already qualified as police officers in other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39198/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff.
Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is is governed by legislation, in particular the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 (as amended). It is important to note that not only Irish citizens may apply to join An Garda Síochána, as specified in the Regulations.
Additionally, section 52 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) provides for the direct recruitment, by way of competition, of members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) into An Garda Síochána at certain senior levels, i.e. Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner.
Section 50 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, provides for the appointment of persons to, and the suspension of persons from, ranks below the rank of Chief Superintendent.
Specifically, under the Bill, the Garda Commissioner will be able to appoint, in accordance with Regulations, persons to any rank below the rank of Chief Superintendent. The broad nature of this provision is intended to facilitate, through Regulations, the implementation of a number of recommendations contained in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report.
These relate to direct entry routes into An Garda Síochána, at appropriate levels, for suitable candidates with experience from outside of the policing sphere or with relevant policing experience in other jurisdictions.
