Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
113. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí operating out of Cashel town Garda station; the opening hours of the station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51279/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner also determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State under Section 33 of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner with regards to the opening hours of any Garda station or assigning Gardaí to individual stations.
I am advised that the distribution of resources is kept under continual review by Garda management, in light of identified operational demands.
The Clare/Tipperary Division operates under the Garda Operating Model since the end of August, which is being introduced by the Commissioner as part of A Policing Service for the Future, which is the implementation plan based on the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
The restructure reflects international best practice as well as the realities of modern day policing in Ireland, the changing nature of crime and population trends.
It includes restructuring at national, regional and local levels to provide a greater focus on community policing based on local needs. The new model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
It will particularly enhance the investigation of crime through the delivery of a greater range of specialised services in local areas, such as the investigation of sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime.
I am advised that as of 31 October, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 11 Garda members assigned to Cashel Garda Station (10 Gardaí and 1 Sergeant). The station is open to the public Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
The station is a part of the Tipperary South Community Engagement Functional Area, which provides the policing service for South Tipperary.
