Jackie Cahill
Ceist:190. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí in the Tipperary division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57923/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 November 2021
Ceisteanna (190)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law 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 advised however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging trends.
To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those 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 all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
I have been informed that as of 31 October 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 73 Community Gardaí attached to the Tipperary Division. This represents an increase of three, or over 4%, since the same period last year when there were 70 Community Gardaí in Tipperary. The Deputy may wish to note that the overall Garda numbers for Tipperary Division are 402 as at 31 October 2021.