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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Ceisteanna (110)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

110. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of community Gardaí in the Roscommon-Longford division; the number of community Gardaí in the Westmeath division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36816/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained ongoing recruitment into the organisation.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I understand that 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 each area within the Division and its specific needs.

To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.

However, it is important to note that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this has never been more evident than in the work carried out by all members of the Gardaí as we have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also fundamental to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which are currently being implemented through A Policing Service for Our Future , including the adoption of the new Garda operating model.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Roscommon-Longford Garda Division, as of 31 May 2021.

Roscommon-Longford

Inspector

Sergeant

Garda

Total

Ballaghaderreen

1

1

Ballymahon

1

1

Boyle

1

2

3

Castlerea

1

1

Edgeworthstown

1

1

Granard

1

1

2

Longford

1

2

3

Roscommon

1

1

Strokestown

1

1

Total

3

11

14

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Westmeath Garda Division, as of 31 May 2021.

Westmeath

Inspector

Sergeant

Garda

Total

Athlone

1

1

Mullingar

1

5

6

Total

2

5

7

Detailed information in relation to Community Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and is available for the information of the public.

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