Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ongoing recruitment to An Garda Síochána will allow the Garda Commissioner to ensure he has the resources necessary to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí to any part of the country he deems appropriate in all the circumstances. For example, in the Deputy's own area, the Garda's northern division has a strength of 1,406 gardaí, which is an increase of 9% since 31 December 2015. This year, the Garda Commissioner is ensuring there is recruitment of civilian staff to An Garda Síochána to facilitate the release of 500 trained gardaí from administrative to front-line duties. Members will agree that availability and visibility are the hallmarks of good policing and it is important that gardaí are freed to do the type of work for which they are best trained. In the event of a crash-out Brexit or no deal and if such a scenario gives rise to additional requirements in Border areas, I have no doubt that further resources can be provided through normal deployment. The Garda Commissioner and his management team are fully aware of that. These requirements are kept under ongoing review at all times.