Pauline Tully
Question:1155. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the Garda divisions currently without a crime prevention officer, in tabular form. [38242/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1155)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardaí and 400 additional Garda staff this year, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Cork North Division, Kilkenny/Carlow Division and Meath Division currently have vacant Crime Prevention Officer positions.
I am informed that it is a matter for the Divisional Officer in each location, engaging with the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, to arrange recruitment competitions and ensure Crime Prevention Officer positions are filled.
The Deputy may be interested to know that contact details for Crime Prevention Officers can be found on the Garda website and the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/