Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

343. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda,by rank, attached to each divisional roads policing unit as of 29 October 2019, in tabular form. [44997/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended. The Commissioner is also responsible for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources including the deployment of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in those matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

It is also important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through specific enforcement operations.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of Roads Policing Units on the 30 September 2019, the latest date for which figures are available, stood at 680. There is one Chief Superintendent and two Superintendents attached to the DMR Roads Policing Units and a Superintendent attached to each of the other five Regions. In addition, there is one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, one Inspector, one Sergeant and one Garda attached to Garda National Roads Policing Bureau (GNRPB) in Garda HQ.

I understand that the Commissioner established the GNRPB to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies.

I understand that in addition to the Roads Policing Units focusing on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, they also focus on crime prevention and crime detection. Divisional Roads Policing units work closely with other Divisional units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to the Roads Policing Units as at 30 September 2019, the latest date for which figures are available.