Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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386. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda divisions currently without a crime prevention officer; the length of time each division has been without same; when these posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9234/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of personnel. Further, the allocation of Garda resources and distribution of personnel are a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 3 Garda Divisions currently without a Crime Prevention Officer, namely, Cork City Division, DMR South Division and Sligo/ Leitrim Division.

I am further advised that the competition for Sligo/Leitrim has been approved. However, competitions for the Cork and DMR South roles have been placed on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I understand that it is intended that these competitions will take place in the near future.

The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out further detail as requested on the Crime Prevention Officer vacancies as at 3 June 2020.