Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community Gardaí in the Tipperary division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36798/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation. This includes the deployment of Gardaí. Neither I nor Minister Humphreys have any role in these independent functions.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I further understand that it is a matter for the divisional officer, that is, the Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

As the Deputy may be aware, the official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers to those officers who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 May 2021, there are 72 designated Community Gardaí in the Tipperary Division, including 67 at Garda rank and five sergeants.

However, it is vital to note that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this has never been more evident than in the work carried out by all members of the Gardaí as we have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also fundamental to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which are currently being implemented through A Policing Service for Our Future, including the adoption of the new Garda operating model.