Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is always a sense of anxiety and concern in any community regarding crime. As a result, we have provided more front-line gardaí. Deputy Micheál Martin will know that there are more gardaí on our streets than ever before. There are 1,500 more Garda members, which is 1,000 more officers assigned to front-line duties and there are 1,265 extra civilian staff. We increased the civilian staff numbers in the Garda so there are more officers out on the beat talking to people in communities and listening to the issues they raise. We have delivered a wider range of services locally with An Garda Síochána with enhanced national and regional support. The Deputy is aware that the Garda College in Templemore was closed and no gardaí were recruited for a number of years, but that has all changed. The college is open and we are recruiting. There are more gardaí on the street than ever before to tackle crime.

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