James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The last budget provided the largest ever amount of funding for An Garda Síochána. There is a commitment to the recruitment of additional gardaí to be distributed across the country as they graduate. There is a commitment under the 2021 budget for 620 new gardaí this year, although due to the pandemic it will be difficult to meet that number. The target is now 450 to be spread over four intakes and the first intake has already commenced. I hope we can make up the difference next year and the gardaí, once they graduate, will be distributed across the country.

The chief superintendent makes the designation as to whether somebody should be a community garda on the basis of prioritisation and needs in a particular area. We will continue our commitment to the recruitment of additional gardaí so we can have the resources necessary right across this country.

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