Catherine Murphy
Question:380. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda sergeants and inspectors trained in public order in each division within the DMR, in tabular form. [50948/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 November 2023
Questions (380)
Written answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 380 of 21 November 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors trained in public order in each division within the DMR, in tabular form.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This includes funding for up to 800-100 new Gardaí and a 66 per cent increase in the Garda training allowance to €305.
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 the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that this distribution is kept under review in light of emerging crime trends and policing needs.
I am advised that there are currently 36 Sergeants trained in public order within the DMR. However, as the number of Inspectors trained in public order is under 10, the Garda authorities are unable to provide this figure for security reasons.
I am further advised that the Garda authorities are unable to provide a breakdown of these Garda members by Division as it could lead to the identification of the Garda members.
I trust this information is of assistance.