Written answers
Wednesday, 5 May 2021
Department of Justice and Equality
Garda Strength
John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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464. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda community officers for each district in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22702/21]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no role in such decisions. 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.
It is important to note that, to date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society, including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. However, as the Deputy is aware, community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department also recently published the General Scheme of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill. The Bill sets out a statutory framework at national and local level to drive the delivery of community safety, including the establishment of local Community Safety Partnerships. The Partnerships, which will replace and build upon Joint Policing Committees, will each develop local community safety plans that respond to the specific needs of their community. Membership will include local representatives, service provides and a range of community representatives who will work in partnership, supported by dedicated staff.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of community Gardaí assigned to each Wicklow District at 31 March 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.
Wicklow Division | Total |
---|---|
Baltinglass District | 1 |
Bray District | 8 |
Wicklow District | 1 |
Total | 10 |
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