Darren O'Rourke
Question:1112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to Meath roads policing unit as of 1 June 2020 and 1 June 2021, in tabular form. [30731/21]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2021
Questions (1112)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner is also responsible for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources including the deployment of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in those matters. I am assured, 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.
I am informed that 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.
I also understand that in addition to the roads policing units focusing on the road traffic offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, they also focus on crime prevention and crime detection. Divisional roads policing units work closely with other Divisional units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.
It is also important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through specific enforcement operations.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of roads policing units on the 30 April 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, stood at 739. I am further advised that 2 Sergeants and 16 Gardaí were assigned to roads policing duty in the Meath Division as at 30 April 2021. In addition, there was 1 Superintendent attached to the Eastern Region and 1 Chief Superintendent, 2 Superintendents, 2 Inspectors and 1 Sergeant attached to the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau in Garda HQ.
Detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on the Department of Justice website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures