Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As he will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. The Minister for Justice has no role in the matter.

The district of Macroom, which includes Baile Bhuirne station, has a total of 74 serving gardaí stationed over ten stations. The Minister has been assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends in order to ensure their optimal use. The Minister understands it is a matter for the divisional chief superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, while having regard to the profile of each area within the division and its specific needs.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in budget 2022 of more than €2 billion. The Deputy will be aware that there was a very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with more than 11 ,000 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period. I again thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I will bring his view back to the Minister.

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