Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to the Bandon, Bantry and Clonakilty districts. [60513/22]

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 administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 

The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources necessary to carry out their vital service. This level of funding will provide a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming year.

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 can inform the Deputy that as of 31 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available,  there are a total of 218 Garda members assigned to the Districts of Bandon, Bantry and Clonakilty, a breakdown of which is included in the table below. This is a 4% increase on the 209 Garda members assigned to the districts of Bandon, Bantry and Clonakilty in 2015. 

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.