Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1184. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the Meath divisional drugs unit as of 24 August 2023; and if she will provide the corresponding figures as of 1 March 2022, in tabular form. [38431/23]
View answerAs the Deputy 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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such 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 in excess of €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 new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 July 2023, there were 6 members assigned to the Meath Divisional Drug Unit; 1 Inspector, 1 Sergeant and 4 Gardaí. It may interest the Deputy to note that as of 28 February 2022, there were 5 members assigned to the Meath Divisional Drug Unit; 1 Sergeant and 4 Gardaí. I can also advise the Deputy that since 2015, there has been a 14% increase in overall Garda members assigned to Meath, from 277 to 318 as of July this year.
