Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this issue. We have provided substantial resources to An Garda Síochána. Some of the issues she has raised are operational issues. Garda management, I am told, keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends to ensure their optimum use. As the Deputy knows, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. That includes the deployment of resources and personnel matters. Allocation of Garda resources is made in the light of operational demand, which includes the deployment of personnel across the various Garda divisions.

A total of €1.952 billion was allocated to the Garda Síochána in 2021, which is an unprecedented budget. Obviously, Covid-19 is a factor in that and has placed considerable strain and stress on An Garda Síochána, the members of which have responded magnificently to the challenges of the pandemic. I want to acknowledge that. The budget for 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff. Substantial resources have been allocated.

On Sligo Garda station, I do not have the details in respect of the sequence of events the Deputy outlined. Other Deputies, including Deputy MacSharry, have been in touch with me on this issue. I will talk to the Minister for Justice and ask whether we can get a report back on it. We believe and accept that all facilities have to be fit for purpose for An Garda Síochána to operate within. There have to be quality buildings. There are obviously challenges and the capital programme is there to improve and enhance. This is something we believe in. I will talk to the Minister in regard to this issue. As I said, all other matters are, in essence, operational matters for Garda management and the Garda Commissioner.

See this speech in context