James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising the issue of the number of gardaí. As stated, the distribution and designation of members of An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and the local chief superintendent. However, everybody deserves to feel safe and be safe in their communities. We are absolutely committed to making our communities stronger, safer and more just. That is why we have significantly increased the resources available to An Garda Síochána to help tackle issues of crime in every community in the country. I am advised by Garda authorities that on 31 October 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, there was a total of seven community gardaí attached to the Garda station in Ballymun.

This is an increase of one on the same date in 2020. The Deputy may wish to further note that the total number of gardaí attached to the Ballymun district, as at 31 October 2021, is 257, which represents a 13% increase on the numbers allocated to the district in 2015.

I agree with the Deputy, though, that the level of open drug dealing visible in our communities must be tackled.

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