Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Casey for his question. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Wicklow division was 306. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the national bureau of criminal investigation, the armed support units, the Garda national economic crime bureau and the Garda national drugs and organised crime bureau. I assure the House the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country 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.

I assure Deputy Casey the recruitment of Garda Síochána is continuing apace. Just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide. Of these, 31 have been assigned to the Wicklow division. While it is an issue for the Garda Commissioner, Deputy Casey will be pleased to hear the allocation of gardaí in the Bray and Wicklow stations is on the up. I am sure that with further gardaí coming out of Templemore later this year, the acting Commissioner, in his wisdom, will look at Wicklow as he does other areas in the country.

See this speech in context