Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been informed by the acting Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have been attested as members of An Garda Síochána and assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 631 of whom have been assigned to the Dublin metropolitan region. I have given the Deputy the tables. In addition, a further 200 trainee gardaí are scheduled to be attested later this year, which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to the 13,500 mark by the end of the year, representing an increase of 500 since 2016. I am keen to ensure the points raised by the Deputy will be considered in respect of the assignment of gardaí in the Dublin region. We must have regard to the serious challenges An Garda Síochána faces on a daily basis in the Dublin metropolitan area, with particular reference to the tackling of organised crime. I am keen to acknowledge the success of the continuing Garda operation in response to gang-related crime, Operation Hybrid, and the need to ensure we continue to facilitate the Garda in every way we can to ensure the provision of adequate and proper resources. The results of the additional resourcing provided can be seen on a day to day basis in the Deputy's constituency.

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