Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
106. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if all divisions within DMR are covered by crime prevention officers; if not, the divisions currently without a crime prevention officer in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15569/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 9 April 2024, there are no Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) vacancies within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). Every Division within the DMR has a CPO.
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 over €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 a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of 800 to 1,000 Garda members this year, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks. In addition to new recruits, the roll-out of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to front-line 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.
For the Deputy's information, contact details for Crime Prevention Officers can be found on the Garda website and the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/.
