Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
516. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 28 February 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this Parliamentary Question answered. [16397/24]
View answerAs you 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 can, however, assure you 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 €2.35 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 21 March, the following divisions currently have vacant Crime Prevention Officer positions.
|
Location of Divisional Vacancy |
Competition status |
|
Meath |
No date for competition confirmed |
|
Clare |
Competition in progress |
|
Tipperary |
Competition in progress |
|
Cork City |
Competition in progress |
|
Cork North |
Competition in progress |
|
Carlow/ Kilkenny |
No date for competition confirmed |
I am informed that it is a matter for the Divisional Officer in each location, engaging with the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, to arrange recruitment competitions and ensure Crime Prevention Officer positions are filled.
You may also be interested to know that 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-/
