Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Deputy to appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda divisions. While I do not have a direct role in the matter, I am anxious to ensure the investment of the public money the Government makes available for the Garda leads to the provision of more effective policing services throughout the State. I have no doubt that the new resources and the fresh investment now coming on stream will lead to an increase in the visibility of gardaí across our communities, including those in County Wicklow. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that 18 newly attested gardaí have been assigned to the Wicklow division since the reopening of the Garda College. I have placed on the record a table showing that 296 gardaí are assigned to the Wicklow division. We are ensuring the Garda organisation is structured in a way that allows the Garda Commissioner to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí in every division, including the Wicklow division.

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