Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
227. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 495 of 28 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer this question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14226/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 495 of 28 February 2023 refers to the number of competitions held in 2022 and to date in 2023 for Garda members to join community policing units throughout the Dublin metropolitan region; and the Garda districts within the DMR that received additional Gardaí to be deployed to community policing units arising from these competitions.
As the Deputy is 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. The Commissioner is also responsible for the distribution and stationing of Gardaí throughout the State. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
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.
The Community Policing Framework Guidelines provide An Garda Síochána with key principles that must be adhered to in order to deliver an effective community policing service, responsive to the needs of a modern and diverse community. Divisional senior management use these guidelines when implementing the structures of the Framework within their respective Divisions.
I understand that the staffing of Community Policing Units is at the discretion of local Divisional Officers, who may run competitions to appoint suitable members of An Garda Síochána to Community Policing units locally. I am advised that due to the manner in which these competitions are recorded it is not possible to provide the figures as requested.
