Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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281. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Donegal division in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019, respectively; the Garda numbers stationed in each Garda station within the division; the number for community gardaí within the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8002/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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.

The Garda strength by Station and Rank for the Donegal Division in each of the years from 2010 to 2018 is available on my Department’s website through the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and%20Station_2009_to_30_December_2018.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and%20Station_2009_to_30_December_2018.xlsx.

Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation of Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Community Garda Strength in the Donegal Division in each of the years from 2010 to 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Garda Commissioner are as set out in the following table.

For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the following link:

www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.

Garda Strength presented - Community Gardaí Donegal Division 2010 - 2018

Total: means all those Gardaí at a station all of whom have community policing as an inherent part of their role

Community Gardaí: are those with the official categorisation and are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.