John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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1356. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí currently stationed in each Garda station in County Wicklow in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [39848/21]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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1357. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the drugs unit currently stationed in each Garda station in County Wicklow in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [39849/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1356 and 1357 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands. This includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use.  I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional 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.

To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.  However, it is important 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 in response to the immense challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am advised that the table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Co. Wicklow from 30 June 2016 to 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are now 324 Garda personnel in Divisional Drugs Units as of 30 June 2021, assigned to tackle drug related crime on a local basis throughout the country. This represents an increase of over 5% since 30 June 2020 when there were 308 Gardaí assigned to Divisional Drugs units nationwide.  These members are supported, as needed, by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau which has 93 Gardaí attached to it as of 30 June 2021.

The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to Wicklow Divisional Drugs unit from 30 June 2016 to 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.

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: .

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

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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1358. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cars, motorbikes, vans and 4x4 vehicles in each Garda station in County Wicklow in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [39850/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner and his management team, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 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.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of vehicles assigned to the Wicklow Division from December 2016 up to and including 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.

*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles

For operational reasons, An Garda Síochána do not provide vehicle allocations by Garda station.