Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations operational in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in 2021; the number that will be operational in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8564/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which 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 them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

Budget 2022 has provided an unprecedented allocation in excess of €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, which includes funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, and to preventing crime in all its forms.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 24 Garda stations were operational within Cavan/Monaghan Division in 2021, which are set out in the table below.

I am further informed that a total of 25 Garda stations will be operational within Cavan/Monaghan Division in 2022, with the opening of a modular unit in Emyvale sub-District to service the local community until such time as a permanent fixture can be finalised. This modular unit was officially opened on the 31 January 2022.