Written answers

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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128. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the Macroom district at the end of April 2021; the way in which this compares with the end of April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29972/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The resources provided by government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

As at 30 April 2021 there were 74 Gardaí assigned to the Macroom District, which represents an increase of 10.4% since 2015. These Garda members are supported by 5 Garda staff.

As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health restrictions has also, exceptionally, had an impact across the country over the past year. As such, there has been a decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to Macroom district from 77 Gardaí in April 2020 to 74 in April 2021.

However, recruitment which had to be paused due to the pandemic has recently recommenced with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May, the first of four intakes and a planned total of 450 for the year. This continuing recruitment forms an important component in the unprecedented and sustained level of investment being made in Garda resources in recent years, and is equipping the organisation to meet community needs throughout the country.

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