Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
257. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns regarding drug-related crime in Drogheda and east County Meath, such as the recent discharge of five bullets from a firearm into a dwelling house in a residential area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46513/18]
View answerI am very much aware of the impact that this type of criminal activity can have on communities, and I want to assure the Deputy that the Government remains absolutely committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
It is important to note that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. However, I am advised that Garda management keeps the 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 in East Meath.
I understand that An Garda Síochána are conducting full investigation into the firearm incident highlighted by the Deputy and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further at this time.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that every effort will continue to be made to disrupt the activities of any groups who may be involved in these incidents and to arrest and prosecute offenders.
In relation to drug related crime, it is important to say that An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation of Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.
I am advised by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 almost 2,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 35 have been assigned to Drogheda Garda station. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College and we are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
I strongly welcome the funding provided in Budget 2019 for the recruitment of up to 800 Garda recruits next year, along with necessary civilian Garda staff. This ongoing recruitment will provide the Commissioner with the resources both in terms of the increase in new Gardaí and the redeployment of Gardaí to frontline policing duties following civilianisation of their roles. The net benefit of this is the increased Garda visibility and greater response to the policing needs of communities in every Garda Division.
