Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
105. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE civilian forensic photographers employed by An Garda Síochána in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15568/24]
View answerAs 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 for the recruitment, training and allocation of Garda members and staff to a given unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
To be of assistance, I have contacted the Garda authorities who have informed me that fewer than 10 WTE civilian forensic photographers were employed by An Garda Síochána during the years requested.
I am advised by Garda authorities that it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to further report on numbers that are fewer than 10. In cases where the requested figures are fewer than 10, the personnel referenced may be identifiable to the general public, thus posing a potential risk to their safety. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána, along with fellow Government Departments and public bodies, is bound by existing Data Protection legislation; the release of figures fewer than 10 has the potential to compromise the protection and privacy of individuals employed by An Garda Síochána and moreover constitute a breach of this legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
