Jim O'Callaghan
Question:
385. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number and location of Garda forensic collision investigators; when the last competition for new forensic collision investigators was held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21895/22]
View answer
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 385 of 4 May 2022 where you sought:
“The number and location of Garda forensic collision investigators; and when the last competition for new forensic collision investigators was held”.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. The Commissioner is also responsible for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under the Act and, as Minister, I have no direct role in these independent functions.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion. This includes funding for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and up to 400 Garda staff. In this regard I welcome the strong interest shown in the latest Garda recruitment competition, with over 11,000 applications received.
Additionally, over 800 Garda members have also been redeployed in recent years from administrative duties to frontline policing roles where their expertise can be utilised fully. The continual commitment to this policy of redeployment has impacted and will continue to impact positively on local communities across the country, contributing to a more visible police presence.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. The full complement of resources fluctuates on an ongoing basis and where a deficiency in resources is identified, the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the division and its specific needs.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that
the last competition for Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) was held in 2018.
I am further advised that the current FCI model is under review, with a view to introducing a tasking and co-ordination process to ensure a timely and professional service. On completion of the review, numbers that require training will be determined to ensure an efficient and effective model that also considers the wellbeing of Forensic Collision Investigators.
The table appended below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) per Region at 6 May 2022
I hope that this information is of assistance.
Appendix
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Current Number of Forensic Collision Investigators By Region
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DMR
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5
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North Western Region
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6
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Southern Region
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9
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Eastern Region
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10
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Total
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30
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