Eamon Ryan
Ceist:315. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community Garda sergeant positions vacant across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2018
Ceisteanna (315)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. That is why it is important to recognise that the role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
Appointments to the rank of Sergeant are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Units including the Divisional Community Gardaí Units will be fully considered when determining the allocation of successful candidates from this competiton.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the link in tabular form the number of Community Garda by Rank in each Division as on 31 July 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Garda Commissioner.
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures