Garda ranks swell to historic number

It is an historic day for An Garda Síochána which earlier saw the organisation reach its highest numbers of sworn members since the foundation of the State.

Following the attestation of 319 new Gardaí (195 from intake 193, and 124 from intake 201) in an Attestation Ceremony at the Garda Training College, Templemore, An Garda Síochána has grown to an organisation of 14,758.

The newly attested Gardaí are part of An Garda Síochána’s range of measures to maximise the force's operational availability and support other vital public services in responding to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Of the number attested, some 80 will be arriving in the North Western region which includes counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Of the remainder, 65 will be assigned to the Dublin region, 94 to the Eastern region, and 80 in the South.

Of the Garda members working as tutors/instructors in the Garda College that will be redeployed, two are being sent to the North Western region, seven to Dublin, 59 to the East anmd 56 to the South.

In addition to the newly attested Gardaí, An Garda Síochána has implemented a number of “prudent organisational”. Some of these include amendments to rosters, restricted annual leave, delaying retirements where possible, and hiring an additional 210 community support vehicles.

The combined organisational changes result in a 25% uplift in Garda personnel resources being made available to support communities in the weeks and months ahea.

Commissioner Harris has designated the ongoing situation as an "exceptional event” in accordance with the Working Time Agreement.

At this time there has been no change to the role of Special Tactics & Operations Command (STOC), Special Crime Operations and Detective / Drugs Units nationwide. Whilst contingency planning is in place, these units continue to support the community and Garda colleagues with a range of specialist services.

Last week, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security John Twomey established the Garda National Co-ordination Unit. Headed by a Chief Superintendent, its role is to ensure a co-ordinated approach when dealing with organisational issues around the COVID-19 virus. Deputy Commissioner Twomey chairs a daily meeting of this Unit via teleconference with the heads of the Garda organisation to discuss the latest issues arising from the COVID-19 situation and An Garda Síochána’s response to keep people safe.