Joe Flaherty
Ceist:68. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí who are currently assigned to Longford Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52434/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 October 2022
Ceisteanna (68)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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 Garda members throughout the State.
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. This unprecedented amount will fund the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda recruits as well as over 400 Garda staff.
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. I am further advised that there are no set requirements to have a specific number of Community Gardaí posts across the Divisions.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Longford Garda stations by rank at 31 August, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Station |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Longford |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Ballymahon |
0 |
|||
|
Granard |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Edgeworthstown |
0 |
|||
|
Total |
0 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
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.