Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. In August 2023, it was reported that Carlow-Kilkenny Garda district had the third fewest Garda members per capita, at 312. Of these, only 107 Garda members are assigned to one of the six Carlow stations, down from 116 in 2017 and 113 in 2019. Additionally, only 15 Garda staff have been assigned to Carlow. Garda staff are essential in freeing gardaí from desk duties, allowing them to go back into our community. If we want to build stronger, safer communities, we need sufficient and sustained numbers of both Garda members and Garda staff. This has become a significant issue. We really are under-resourced, as I know because I work with the Garda very well and attend all the joint policing meetings every few months. I appreciate that the Minister of State always says this is not his remit, but Carlow needs more Garda members.

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