Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
598. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda strength by rank including Garda reserves based in each station in a district (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35407/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources including the recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no responsibility in this matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The Deputy may wish to refer to information published, and regularly updated, on my department's website in relation to the Garda workforce. Information available relates to the breakdown of the force by rank as well as Garda numbers by district and division and it is available here:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
The Garda Reserve strength in each of the years from 2009 to 30 June 2019, the most recent figures available to me, as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website through the link below. Please note that the breakdown of Garda Reserves is only available on a Divisional basis.
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_June_2019.xlsx/Files/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_June_2019.xlsx
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that a class of approximately 100 Garda reserve recruits commenced training on 23/24 March 2019 at the Garda College, Templemore. This is a positive development and delivers on the target set out under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a strategic review of the Garda Reserve to inform future decisions around the use of the Reserve. This approach is in line with the recommendation in the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland which recommended that recruitment to the Garda Reserve be paused and a Strategy developed. The Strategy will inform the development and preparation for a new Reserve recruitment drive by the end of 2019.
