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Garda Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Ceisteanna (324)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

324. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed at the Garda Information Services Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo over the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13464/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

The resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. As at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.

The Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) was established by An Garda Síochána in Castlebar in 2005. I understand that it operates on a 24 hour and seven day a week basis, all throughout the year, with objectives including the reduction of time spent by operational members on administrative duties and improvement of the quality of data at An Garda Síochána. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the GISC is staffed entirely by Garda Staff.

The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities sets out the number of staff assigned to GISC from 2016 up to 31 May 2020.

Year

Total Garda staff assigned to GISC (FTE)

2020 (as at 31 May)

211.9

December 2019

215

December 2018

221.8

December 2017

207.2

December 2016

184.3

I am advised that there are vacancies in GISC and that, while recruitment has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, An Garda Síochána continues to recruit Garda staff in line with "A Policing Service for the Future", the implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

I am further informed that a review of the functions of GISC has been carried out, as recommended by the Commission and that its recommendations and staffing implications are under consideration.

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