An Garda Síochána: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-13
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Garret Kelleher (FG), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I move:
That Seanad Éireann:
recognises:
- the crucial role played by An Garda Síochána in ensuring the security of the State, protecting and serving communities across Ireland through the maintenance of law and order, and upholding the principles of justice;
- the continued investment across the justice system, including in An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Prison Service, and the Probation Service;
- that overall funding for An Garda Síochána has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2020, with investment of over €2.74 billion allocated for 2026;
- that, through successive budget increases, the Government has ensured that An Garda Síochána has the resources, leadership, and technology necessary to deliver on its mission;
- the 90 members of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty;
welcomes:
- the decision to increase the maximum age limit for joining An Garda Síochána from 35 to 50 years;
- the decision to increase penalties for attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and frontline workers to up to 12 years’ imprisonment;
- the introduction of body-worn cameras for members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service;
- that Garda numbers are expected to reach 15,000 within the next year, representing the highest number in the history of the State;
- that work is currently ongoing to increase capacity at the Garda College to accommodate up to 250 trainees per intake;
- the significant increase in the number of Garda Reserves with a target to increase the number of Reserve members to over 600 this year;
- the high visibility policing operation underway by Gardaí;
calls for:
- the forthcoming pay deal for public servants to reflect the invaluable role of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces in Irish society;
- this House to condemn threats made against members of An Garda Síochána and the targeting of their families online;
- the development of new policies to penalise individuals who target members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces online;
- the development of a clear pursuit-driving policy for members of An Garda Síochána;
- Gardaí to be provided with a separate driving licence classification for use while on duty; and
- the establishment of a full-time Public Order Unit within An Garda Síochána.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-13/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-13