Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
186. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to community policing and regular policing unit in Ballymun sub-district for the past five years, up to the latest date possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including resource management.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion, an increase of €78 million on last year.
While the Commissioner is operationally responsible, 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.
The following table, which was provided to me by An Garda Síochána, shows the personnel strength of Ballymun District and community Gardaí attached to the district:
|
Ballymun |
31/12/2017 |
31/12/2018 |
31/12/2019 |
31/12/2020 |
31/12/2021 |
30/09/2022 |
|
Community Policing |
16 |
17 |
10 |
11 |
18 |
16 |
|
Strength |
211 |
228 |
230 |
268 |
256 |
266 |
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.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
