Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
407. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí assigned to three Garda stations (details supplied) in each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [47141/22]
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 general management and administration of the Garda organisation. This includes the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am however 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 also understand that the allocation of resources and numbers required locally for Community Policing is solely the responsibility of the Divisional Officer.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí attached to Cabra, Bridewell and Mountjoy Garda Stations at 31 December 2012 and 2021, and at 31 August 2022 which is the latest date
for which figures are available.
|
Station |
End December 2012 |
End December 2021 |
31 August 2022 |
|
Bridewell |
26 |
16 |
9 |
|
Mountjoy |
45 |
26 |
21 |
|
Cabra |
7 |
7 |
5 |
*The above information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
The Deputy will also be aware that, 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.
It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of 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.
Further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers can be found 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.
The information can be found at the following link:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
