Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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287. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí that are available to all districts throughout Ireland and County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51950/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner shall determine the distribution and deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

It is my understanding that those members who are designated as 'Community Gardaí' are members who are engaged primarily in outreach work with community groups, such as providing talks to schools.

However, community engagement has been a defining feature of An Garda Síochána since its establishment almost 100 years ago. This extends far beyond those Gardaí who have the official designation of a ‘Community Garda’, rather it is at the heart of the work of every member of the service. Daily, Gardaí encounter those who are vulnerable and who are often disproportionately impacted by crime. All Gardaí routinely engage with members of the community as well as the various community and voluntary groups active within any given area. The relationships built up form the basis of all local policing in the State and are part of every Garda’s work.

The following table provides a breakdown of the number of designated Community Gardaí assigned by rank, station and division as of 30 September, the latest date for when figures are available.

Community Gardaí as on 30/09/2021

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda juvenile liaison officers that are available to all districts throughout Ireland and County Kildare to ensure a comprehensive programme that will reflect on improved reliance on An Garda Síochána and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51951/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner shall determine the distribution and deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Garda Diversion Programme, as provided in the Children Act 2001. Each such case is assessed and the Director of the Garda Diversion Programme, who is generally a Garda Superintendent, decides if the case is suitable or not for inclusion.

The operation of the programme includes informal and formal Garda warnings, delivered in the presence of parents or guardians, as well as provision for supervision by a Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September, the latest date for when figures are available, the following table shows the number of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers by Division and rank.