Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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24. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that do not have at least full-time Garda allocated to them; the number of Garda stations that do not have a regular opening time; if the Garda authorities have sought further resources so that these stations can be manned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30913/20]

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 of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources.  As Minister, I have no role in these 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.

In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that there are currently 551 Garda station open and operating nationwide.  Of this total, there are currently 32 Garda stations which open to provide services to the public but which do not have at least one full time Garda allocated to them and are serviced by other stations within that District.

I am further advised that there are 153 Garda stations nationwide which open to provide services to the public but which do not have a regular opening time. Due to the current rostering system as a consequence of the response to Covid-19, these stations open when there are members rostered to work. In such cases, a notice is displayed to identify opening hours.

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.