Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí and the ranks of each in Cork city; the number of vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39613/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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340. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of uniformed members of An Garda Síochána that have been removed from front-line duties in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39748/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 340 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Furthermore, when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified, the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

I am further informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork City Division on the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 657 with 45 Garda Reserves and 63 civilians. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.

This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána, 25 of whom have been assigned to the Cork City Division. I am also informed that a further 200 recruits will attest this coming Friday with another 200 scheduled to attest in December which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to allow the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cork City Division in the coming years.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of the Cork City Division on 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the following table.

CORK CITY DIVISION JULY 2017