James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter regarding the number of Garda members assigned to the Carlow district. It is an issue she consistently raises in respect of Carlow and Kilkenny.

The unprecedented allocation of more than €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the deployment of Garda members throughout the State, I am assured Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends. I understand it is a matter for the divisional chief superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them.

The Deputy may be aware there was very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with almost 6,400 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period. Furthermore, the Garda Commissioner has confirmed he has requested the Public Appointments Service to undertake a Garda Reserve competition at the earliest possible date, which is envisaged to be in the coming weeks.

There are currently around 14,000 Garda members in the country. A total of 388 new gardaí attested in 2023 and were allocated to Garda stations nationwide, while 746 trainees entered Templemore in 2023, the highest number since 2018.

As of 31 December 2023, 101 Garda members had been assigned to the Carlow district. This comprised 82 gardaí, 15 sergeants, three inspectors and one superintendent. As of the same date, 312 Garda members assigned to the Kilkenny-Carlow division were working alongside 45 Garda staff. Garda staff play a vital role within the organisation, carrying out a variety of duties and helping to free up Garda members to focus on front-line policing duties.

See this speech in context