Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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637. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to each divisional protection services unit that have been established to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14296/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to implement the roll-out of DPSUs nationwide and aims to ensure that a DPSU will be in operation within every Garda Síochána division as soon as possible. Roll-out of these Units will meet a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future , the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below shows the number of Gardaí attached to Protective Services Units as at 2 July 2020. CSI indicates Child Specialist Interviewers.

The resourcing of each Garda region and division is fully considered within the overall context of the needs and requirements of Garda regions throughout the country, including the Protective Services Units. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The allocation and transfer of Garda Personnel is determined by a number of factors, including crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues. 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.