Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Notwithstanding the acting Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.

I am informed by the acting Commissioner that, as of 30 April 2018, the most recent date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Wexford division was 294, of whom 38 are sergeants and six are inspectors. There are also 17 Garda reservists and 32 civilians attached to the division. 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 unit, the Garda national economic crime bureau and the Garda national drugs and organised crime bureau.

As I have stated in the House previously, the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country 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 strength of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members. Real and tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017, a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

Funding is in place to ensure that the 2021 vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 remains very much on track. This year, a further 800 new Garda recruits will enter the Garda College - 400 have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year. The Deputy will be aware of the current recruitment campaign which was recently inaugurated by An Garda Síochána. I am keen that every part of the country, including the south-east region, will benefit from increased Garda numbers.

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