Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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1333. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in Cork city by Garda division and rank and role in July 2019, July 2020 and July 2021, in tabular form. [39169/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the effective and efficient deployment of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached spreadsheet sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork City Division as at 30 June 2019, 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.  

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 response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact across the country over the past year. As such, there has been a slight decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork city Division from 730 in June 2020 to 715 at 30 June 2021.

The Deputy may wish to note, however, that recruitment, which had been paused, has now recommenced for 2021, with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May and a further 74 Garda trainees entering on 19 July. These are the first two of four intakes for 2021 and part of a revised planned total of 450 for the year. However, 2021 intake numbers will be reviewed going forward, in particular with progress against COVID-19 and the vaccination rollout.

This resumption of 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.

Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment nationwide at the following link :http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce 

This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.

Details in relation to the number of Garda staff nationwide are also available on my Department's website at the following link: