Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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622. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of population numbers to each Garda for every county here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28856/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and decisions on the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I understand 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.

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.

The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of investment 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 14,600 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that 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. 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 following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, shows the ratio of total Gardaí per population in all Divisions.