Written answers

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

190. 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. [57923/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.

I am advised however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging trends.

To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those 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 all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.

I have been informed that as of 31 October 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 73 Community Gardaí attached to the Tipperary Division. This represents an increase of three, or over 4%, since the same period last year when there were 70 Community Gardaí in Tipperary. The Deputy may wish to note that the overall Garda numbers for Tipperary Division are 402 as at 31 October 2021.

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

191. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in Ballincollig station as of 31 October 2021; the number in the Macroom Garda district on the same date; the equivalent figures for both on 31 October 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57737/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. The Commissioner is also responsible, under Section 26 of the Act, for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I play no direct role in these independent functions.

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 further 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 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 all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.

As of 31 October 2021, there were three Community Gardaí assigned to Ballincollig station and one Community Garda assigned to Macroom station. These numbers are unchanged from 31 October 2020. The Deputy may wish to further note that the total allocation of Gardaí to each station is currently 57 in Ballincollig and 36 in Macroom.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.