2271. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider establishing a transfer or lateral-entry pathway for Irish citizens who are currently working as police officers in the United Kingdom to join An Garda Síochána without having to apply as new recruits, in recognition of their existing policing experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56975/26]

Section 94 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act allows the Garda Commissioner, at the request of the Chief Constable of the PSNI, to appoint a member of the PSNI as a member of An Garda Síochána on secondment for a period of not more than three years.

There is currently no provision for the direct transfer on a permanent basis of serving PSNI officers at the rank of sergeant or below into An Garda Síochána. The position regarding direct transfer will, in consultation with our UK and Northern Irish counterparts, be kept under review.

It may be noted that any suitably qualified member of the PSNI can apply to join open positions at the rank of Superintendent and above within An Garda Síochána under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 (Appointment to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2025 and section 26 and 27 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

Any Regulations made under the Act will continue to honour Ireland’s commitments under the 2002 Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Police Co-operation.