As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business and he determines the distribution of Gardaí throughout the State. I do not have a role in these matters. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) recognised that community safety is not solely the responsibility of the Gardaí, or my Department, but rather, it is a whole of Government responsibility. The Deputy may be aware that a number of actions are in progress under 'A Policing Service For Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the recommendations of the CoFPI report. This includes the Garda Commissioner's rollout of the new Garda Operating Model, which seeks to release front-line Gardaí from roles that can be effectively carried out by civilian Garda staff. The aim is to increase Garda visibility, community engagement and the deployment of specialist services throughout the country.
The Operating Model was rolled out in Clare-Tipperary in 2023.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of August 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 299 Garda members in Clare Division. This represents an increase of 2.4% since 2015 when there were 292 Garda members. There is one Superintendent based in Ennis.
As of August 2023 there were 381 Garda members in Tipperary Division. This represents an increase of 7.6% since 2015 when there were 354 Garda members. There is one Superintendent based in Clonmel, two in Nenagh, one in Thurles and one in Tipperary Town.