Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the average number of gardaí for each of the years between 2020 and 2023 inclusive; and the average number of sergeants employed by An Garda Síochána in each of those four years. [20254/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.3 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to front-line policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the average number of Garda members employed by An Garda Síochána between 2020 and 2023 requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.
However, to be of assistance I have provided the information below on Garda numbers. Please be advised that all the information provided is operational and may be subject to change.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members at Garda and Sergeant rank nationwide at year end from 2020 to end of March 2024.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Mar-24 |
|
Sergeant |
1,980 |
1,881 |
2,073 |
2,129 |
2,164 |
|
Garda |
11,848 |
11,717 |
11,371 |
11,164 |
11,198 |
