Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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665. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the ratio of gardaí in each Dublin district per population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36475/20]

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 Garda management during which all factors are taken into consideration.  Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.

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 table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, shows the ratio of total Gardaí per population within the DMR at 31 October 2020.