Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in regard to gender balance within An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32227/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and operation of An Garda Síochána, including matters of personnel and human resources policy.  As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters, however I fully support the Commissioner and his management team in their efforts to strengthen and diversify An Garda Síochána in all areas.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as at 30 September 2020, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 3,998 or approximately 27% of the total strength of 14,593.  This compares favourably with 3,130 or 21.7% of the total strength on 31 December 2008.  While this is broadly in line with  police services in England and Wales, for example, there is clearly plenty of scope for improvement.  At the critical leadership rank of Assistant Commissioner I welcome the fact that 44% are women with the recent promotion of two women to this rank.

The Report of Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended that An Garda Síochána needs to develop its recruitment strategies to reach a more diverse intake of students

In addition, the report also recommended that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society, not only in gender and ethnicity, but also in terms of socio-economic, educational and geographical backgrounds and that they would need to develop recruitment strategies which reach a more diverse intake.  The Report also recommended the reform of the current roster system to support the wellbeing of all Garda Members and introducing greater flexibility in work practices to enhance the attractiveness and job satisfaction of policing as a career. 

An Garda Síochána has recently prepared an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Garda workforce and I look forward to engaging with the Garda Commissioner on it.

For the Deputy's information I have attached below in tabular form, the Garda strength by gender and rank as at 30 September 2020, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied to me by the Commissioner.