Written answers

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the Tipperary division at the end of June 2022, or the most recent date available; the number of gardaí in the Tipperary division at the end of 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35917/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), 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. The Commissioner is also responsible for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under the Act and, as Minister, I have no direct role in these independent functions.

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 which will support the continuation of high level investment in the Garda workforce. The Deputy will be aware that a further recruitment campaign took place earlier this year, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member.

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 as of 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 401 members assigned to the Tipperary Division. Garda members in the Division are supported by 82 Garda staff. This is an increase of over 18% and 127% respectively since 2016 when there were 338 Garda members and 36 Garda staff assigned to the Division.

At the end of 2020, there were 411 assigned to Tipperary Division.

As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an exceptional impact across the country over the past two years.

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