Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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332. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that are stationed in County Donegal broken down by station for each of the last ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7805/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 a total of 4,029 Garda members have attested, including 369 probationers who attested in 2022 and 24 probationers who attested on 13 January this year.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is at the centre of this policy. Since 2015, the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment and, as Minister, I am committed to delivering the necessary resources to bring the number of Gardaí to 15,000 and beyond.

As of the end of December 2022, there were 14,133 Garda sworn members across the country. This represents an increase of over 10% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members nationwide. These Gardaí are supported by 3,126 Garda civilian staff, which represents an increase of more than 50% on the number assigned in 2015. This increases the availability of Gardaí to concentrate on frontline policing duties.

The attached spreadsheet, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Gardaí that are stationed in County Donegal, by station, at end December 2013 up to the end of December 2022, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that this information is based on operational data provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.