Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
548. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE civilian Garda staff, by grade, working in each divisional protective service unit as of 4 December 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54896/23]
View answerI am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024 - a 23% increase since 2020, allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff.
As of the end of October, 3,130 Garda staff were working alongside Garda members and carrying out vital roles to increase availability of Gardaí to focus on front-line duties. The significant increase in Garda staff has enabled 900 Gardaí to be freed up for front line duties.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Garda staff are assigned at a Divisional level to Crime, Community Engagement, Performance Assurance or Business Services. As such, Garda staff are not recorded as being individually assigned to Divisional Protective Services Units which are part of the Crime functional area.
