Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which adequate deployment of gardaí has been achieved in order to ensure an equal level of policing in all areas throughout the country at any given time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37111/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 further 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.
An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, Garda numbers are now approximately 14,500 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.
Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This will ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet.
The Deputy will also be aware that roll-out by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model has begun and meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for our Future , the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
This new Operating Model reorganises resources around the delivery of frontline policing, placing an increased emphasis on Gardaí being out visibly on patrol, engaging with communities, preventing crime and supporting victims. As part of the reduction of bureaucracy and streamlining of administrative processes, the number of Garda Regions and Divisions is being reduced and additional power will be devolved to local level so as to enable the delivery of better and more localised policing services nationwide. The general scheme of the Criminal Justice (Amendment)(No.2) Bill has been approved by Government to facilitate the full roll out of the new operating model.
