Garda Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Questions (161)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is a variance in the numbers of stationed gardaí per capita across Garda districts; his views on whether there has been a significant and consistent failure to take population growth trends into account when policing plans have been prepared and that this is the primary reason that there is a large variance in Garda resources around the country; if he will confirm that population growth trends have been taken into account for the current policing plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39449/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the Garda Síochána and the Minister has no direct role or function in that matter. In drawing up arrangements for the policing of the State each year the Commissioner and his senior management team take all relevant factors into account, including population, the geography of the areas to be policed, crime levels and trends, and policing priorities. The objective is to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the most effective policing service is provided to the public.