Pauline Tully
Question:27. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the Cavan/Monaghan drug unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/23]
View answerThursday, 16 February 2023
Questions (27)
Written answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station or their assignment to specialist units.
I am advised by Garda authorities that, as of end of December 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are under 10 Gardaí attached to the Cavan/Monaghan drugs unit. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that counts of less than 10 cannot be provided and due to the impact on operational effectiveness and security.
I can assure the Deputy that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their best use. Local and senior Garda management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel to ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources 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’, including commitments related to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing.
Other factors considered include the following: local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies; and local population trends and geographical area.
My Department remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources needed to perform its vital role in the community. We are committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened Garda Síochána is at the heart of that. This has been reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023 to support high-visibility policing.