As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
Appointments to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the Sergeant and Inspector rank was 1866 and 263 respectively as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available. I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 and 300 respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of this competition the needs of all Garda Divisions including the Wexford Division will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in tabular form the number of Sergeants and Inspectors in the Wexford Division by Station, as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Commissioner.
Wexford Division 28 February 2018
DISTRICT
|
STATION
|
SG
|
IN
|
ENNISCORTHY
|
BUNCLODY
|
2
|
0
|
-
|
COURTOWN HARBOUR
|
1
|
0
|
-
|
ENNISCORTHY
|
6
|
2
|
-
|
GOREY
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
OYLEGATE
|
1
|
0
|
-
|
TOTAL
|
16
|
3
|
NEW ROSS
|
NEW ROSS
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
TOTAL
|
7
|
1
|
WEXFORD
|
CASTLEBRIDGE
|
1
|
0
|
-
|
ROSSLARE HARBOUR
|
1
|
0
|
-
|
WEXFORD
|
13
|
3
|
-
|
TOTAL
|
15
|
3
|
WEXFORD TOTAL
|
|
38
|
7
|