Gerald Nash
Question:319. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each station in counties Louth, Meath and Waterford, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/20]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2020
Questions (319)
Written answers
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Garda members nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. This figure includes the Garda trainees from two separate intake classes who attested earlier than scheduled in March 2020, which was an operational decision taken by the Garda Commissioner in order to augment An Garda Síochána's capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website and this information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Information on the Garda Workforce is available at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
In relation to Waterford, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020 there are 378 Gardaí assigned to the Waterford Division. I understand that this represents a significant increase of 96 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020 there are 343 Gardaí assigned to the Meath Division, representing an increase of 66 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015. Finally, in relation to Louth, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020 there are 399 Gardaí assigned to the Louth Division, representing an increase of 112 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015.
Detail in relation to Garda staff is also available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff