Jim O'Callaghan
Question:438. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time civilian staff working in the Garda mounted unit as of 9 January 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2510/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 January 2024
Questions (438)
Written answers
The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. An Garda Síochána’s 2024 allocation provides funding of over €2.3 billion, which includes funding for between 800 to 1,000 new Gardaí and 250 additional 250 Garda staff.
As 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 decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the public.
To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that on 9 January 2024 there was less than 10 full time civilian staff attached to the Mounted Unit. As the Deputy may already be aware, data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10 for data protection reasons.