David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since the reopening in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Of these, 719, or 45%, have been assigned to the Dublin metropolitan region. I am aware that while Garda strength in the DMR east, north and north central divisions shows an increase, albeit slight, between 2015 and 2017, the overall strength of the DMR shows a marginal reduction at the end of 2017 compared to 2015.

As the Deputies will appreciate, the challenges presented by gangland crime over the past two years have necessitated investment in specialist units to enhance their capacity to support the fight against this scourge. I am advised by the Commissioner that 100 extra gardaí were assigned to specialist units within special crime operations in 2017. In addition, a dedicated armed support unit for the DMR was established at the end of 2016 in order to enhance armed support capacity in Dublin and to free up the resources of the emergency response unit.

I assure the House that the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, including on the streets of the capital, in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members. Real and tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Taking account of projected retirements, Garda numbers increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017, which represents a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. I am pleased to note that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce.

This year, a further 800 Garda recruits will enter the Garda College, 200 of whom have already entered since 29 January. Another 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which means overall Garda numbers will reach 14,000 by the end of 2018, even taking account of projected retirements. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities. As new Garda recruits come on stream, it will enable the acting Commissioner to provide additional resources across the Dublin metropolitan region.

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