Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 July 2024
137. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the status of two Garda stations (details supplied); the number of gardaí assigned to both stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28522/24]
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 the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 May 2024, there are 2 Garda members assigned to Frenchpark Garda Station and 8 assigned to Ballaghaderreen Garda Station.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 May 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there are a total of 13,982 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of 9% since the end of December 2015.
As numbers rise towards our target of 15,000 Gardaí, the number of Gardaí per head of population will increase further.
Coupled with the continued roll-out of the new Operating Model, I am confident that the Commissioner will have the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
For the most up to date information in relation to opening hours of Garda Stations, members of the public can consult the Garda website at the following link:
https://garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/
Also, in the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
