James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for consistently raising the importance of Garda deployment in his area and for supporting the organisation there. The distribution of members of the Garda throughout the country is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, and the designation of members of the Garda within the divisions is a matter for the chief superintendent. We have seen a significant increase in funding for the Garda this year through the budget. There is funding to support an additional 800 members, in addition to another 400 civilian staff. The latter will help to release members of An Garda Síochána from administrative duty to do front-line work. All the increases will help the Commissioner in distributing additional gardaí right across the country, including, I have no doubt, the Deputy’s constituency. I do not have the specific numbers the Deputy is seeking on those gardaí who may be out sick or otherwise not on duty.

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