Jim O'Callaghan
Question:1447. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of unfilled posts in the Dublin north division including rank, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43575/22]
View answerThursday, 8 September 2022
Questions (1447)
Written answers
I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regretfully this 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.1447 of 8 September 2022 where you sought:
‘The number of unfilled posts in the Dublin north division including rank in tabular form.’
As you will recall, I had 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. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
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 optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the 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 advised by the Garda authorities that at 31 July 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 792 Garda members assigned to the DMR North Division. This represents an increase of over 18% since end December 2017.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána does not hold authorised figures for unfilled posts at both Garda and Sergeant uniform ranks within Divisions.
I am further informed that when consideration is given to the allocation and transfer of Garda members to and from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
- Local and national crime trends and workloads
- Policing arrangements and operational strategies
- Minimum establishment statistics
- Local population and trends, geographical area and size
- Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns
I also understand that local and senior Garda Management are consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment and assignment of duties being undertaken at divisional level. The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the operating model of policing at divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.
I am advised that there is an ongoing competition to fill roles at Detective Garda Level and for a CPD Sergeant with the DMR North Division. Competitions for Detective Sergeants, JLO Gardaí and a Burglary Response Unit within the Division have recently been completed.