Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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148. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which it is expected to deploy extra gardaí to all stations nationally in line with the increase in the strength of the force; the way in which this is likely to manifest itself in areas of expanding population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32219/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021.  This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff.  As a result, Garda numbers are now some 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.  Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to620 new Gardaí, as well as up to 500 additional Garda staff.On that basis, there should be 14,700 Gardaí, with a further 300 recruits in training in Templemore, by December 2021 – a total of 15,000.

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 deployment of resources.  The allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demand.  This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions.  As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use.  Factors taken into account include crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues.  

I am further informed that 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.