Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
37. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the changes in Garda numbers in Tallaght and Rathfarnham Garda stations since 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35627/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion. The Deputy may be aware that there was a very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 264 Garda members assigned to the Tallaght Garda District, which is made up of the Tallaght and Rathfarnham stations. This represents an increase of over 10% since 2017 when there 239 Garda members assigned to the Tallaght and Rathfarnham stations.
For the Deputy's information, further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
