Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
472. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí based in Cavan and Monaghan, respectively, in January 2024; and the corresponding numbers in January 2023, January 2022, January 2021 and January 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10002/24]
View answer501. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice the headcount and whole-time equivalent number of gardaí in the eastern region, by county and for each division and district in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, in tabular form. [10738/24]
View answer502. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice the headcount and whole-time equivalent number of gardaí in Waterford city and county for each district in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, in tabular form. [10739/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 501 and 502 together.
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 the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role 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 more than €2.3 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 the recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 Gardaí and 250 additional Garda staff this year.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 January 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 13,960 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 9% since the end of December 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.
Information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
