Catherine Murphy
Question:
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí and the number of instances in which gardaí were deployed outside of the State in the past five years to date in 2023, in an official and unofficial capacity. [26567/23]
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Catherine Murphy
Question:
116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of police officers and the number instances in which police officers were deployed from outside this jurisdiction inside of this State in the past five years to date in 2023, in an official and unofficial capacity. [26568/23]
View answer
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the deployment of Garda members. As Minister I have no role in these matters. I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has deployed members internationally as part of international police liaison activities and to fulfil commitments in the area of civilian peacekeeping.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána have participated in both EU and UN civilian missions since 1989 and currently members of An Garda Síochána are serving in Cyprus with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), and in Kosovo with EULEX Kosovo. In addition, An Garda Síochána deploys a network of Garda Liaison Officers (GLO) abroad and seconded members to EUROPOL, INTERPOL and other EU institutions.
Where it is proposed to deploy Garda members abroad, including where such a deployment is considered arising out of a request by a foreign partner, it is considered on a case by case basis, taking cognisance of resource and budget considerations. Should the Commissioner consider that there is benefit arising from such deployment for both An Garda Síochána and Ireland, the approval of Government pursuant to Section 51 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended is sought in advance of any such deployment.
Members of An Garda Síochána are deployed on international service to United Nations Police (UNPOL) mission areas under Section 51 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. UNFICYP, Cyprus is the currently the only mission that AGS participates in, deploying two rotations of 6 members (12 in total) on a bi yearly basis for a period of 12 months. To reach this point in the process, members must;
• Be selected following a competitive interview process run by An Garda Síochána
• Have successfully completed the UN Training Course in Garda Training College
• Be nominated by AGS to the UN Department of Peace Operations, New York
• Undertake and be selected following a competitive interview process run by the UN.
Once deployed to mission members must undergo a comprehensive UN induction process, including a driving assessment and English language examination. The decision to deploy a member to a mission area is made solely by the UN. Following deployment to UNFICYP, Cyprus, members can be stationed in Sectors 1,2 or 4 on the island in order to maintain the safety and security of the buffer zone which separates the Turkish Cypriot North and Greek Cypriot South regions. Members can apply for specialist roles/positions following 3 to 4 months of service as vacancies regularly arise due to the repatriation of UN contingents, rotations, and ongoing mission mandate requirements.
Please note that the figures in respect of Secondments (which include overseas) are publicly available and published on the Garda Website at the following links;
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/total-garda-workforce-strengths-2005-2021-includes-available-garda-member-strengths.pdf
I hope this information is of assistance.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 115.
