Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
579. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 338 of 14 November 2023, if she has received this information from Garda authorities to have this PQ answered. [55364/23]
View answerI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 338 of 14 November 2023 refers to the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to Carlow-Kilkenny Garda Division Forensic Collision Investigation unit as of 7 November 2023; and the corresponding figures as of 31 March 2022.
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 900 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 by the Garda authorities that, for the years specified, the number of Garda members assigned to the Forensic Collision Investigation unit in the Kilkenny/Carlow Division is too low to report due to security reasons.
I am further advised that the Garda authorities are unable to provide a breakdown of these Garda members by rank as it could lead to the identification of the Garda members.
