Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
544. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of An Garda Síochána, with particular reference to the number of gardaí available for duty on any particular day; if an augmentation of numbers in the force is considered imperative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34350/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Divisions. I have no role in these operational matters.
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.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 May 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there is a total of 13,927 Garda members.
I am further informed that it is not possible to provide a figure for the number of Gardaí on duty at any one time due to the fluctuating nature of crossovers, rosters, and other necessary changes.
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.
Further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
