Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2019
273. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the size of the Garda traffic corps and An Garda Síochána for the past ten years; if gardaí from the general force are used in the traffic corps; the number deployed for this purpose in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26476/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing An Garda Síochána including personnel matters. Garda management keeps this distribution under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of the resources.
In 2017 the Commissioner established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau (GNRPB) to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies.
Furthermore, the Divisional Garda Traffic Corps have been re-named Garda Road Policing Units, to reflect the role the Units will play in denying criminals the use of the roads network. In addition to the Roads Policing Units focusing on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, they will also focus on crime prevention and crime detection. Divisional Roads Policing Units will work closely with other Divisional units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.
The allocation and transfer of Garda Personnel is determined by a number of factors, including crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues. When allocations are taking place, comprehensive consultation is carried out with Local Management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
The strength of the Roads Policing Units by Division, in each of the years 2009 to 31 April 2019 is available on my Department’s website through the link below.
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/004_Roads_Policing_Unit_2009_to_April_2019.xlsx/Files/004_Roads_Policing_Unit_2009_to_April_2019.xlsx
The overall workforce strength of An Garda Síochána is available on my Department’s website through the link below.
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/001_Garda_Workforce_Strength_2006_to_April_2019.xlsx/Files/001_Garda_Workforce_Strength_2006_to_April_2019.xlsx
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the link below
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
