Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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29. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in the Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Lucan and Rathcoole Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24872/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. 

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 30 April 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 64 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR West. This represents an increase of 20% since December 2016.

The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole, and Ronanstown Garda stations at 30 April 2022, the latest date for which figures are available. 

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. It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of 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.