Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
40. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the impact on the ground in rural areas due to a lack of Garda resources; the steps that will be taken to improve recruitment of gardaí to increase resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the recruitment and allocation of Garda resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. This includes the assignment of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station. As Minister I have no role in these operational policing matters.
I am advised that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of Garda resources under continual review to ensure their best use. Among the factors considered are crime trends, population statistics and operational need.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, in both rural and urban areas, and a strengthened Garda Síochána is at the centre of that. The strong interest in the latest Garda recruitment campaign reflects the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána, even in the midst of a highly competitive jobs market. I want to acknowledge also that Garda recruitment was significantly and understandably disrupted when the Garda college at Templemore was necessarily closed during the COVID pandemic.
The Commissioner and his team have assured me that the target to recruit 1,000 new sworn Gardaí in 2023 will be achieved this year.
In tandem with this recruitment drive, additional reassignments of Gardaí to operational frontline policing and the continued rollout of the new Operating Model with its focus on community engagement will further consolidate Garda resources, enabling Gardaí to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
