Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2025
536. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the total strength of An Garda Síochána, by region and division for each of the years 2011 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5712/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 14,191 Garda members nationwide. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/.
The Deputy should access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 31 December 2024” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by Garda division and by rank.
