Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023.

As the Deputy will appreciate, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all human resource matters and recruitment along with the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured by Garda authorities that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. Factors considered include crime trends, population stats and ongoing operations.

As of the end of April 2023, there were 13,995 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of 9% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country. The Government has provided funding for the recruitment of a further 1,000 Gardaí in 2023 and we are seeing new recruits enter the Garda College in Templemore in 11 week intervals.

Gardaí are supported by 3,128 Garda staff, which is over 50% more than the number of staff in 2015. Furthermore, since 2015, almost 900 Garda Members have been freed up from back office duties to front line policing because of civilianisation.

Budget 2023 also saw a €5 million increase in the Garda overtime budget, to over €100 million, to support a high visibility police presence and ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.

€10m was allocated in 2023 towards investment in the Garda fleet. As of 31 May 2023, there were a total of 3,433 vehicles in the Garda fleet which represents a 10% increase in the same figure on 31 December 2020.

The Government is also committed to ensuring Garda members have the resources they need to perform their vital roles in the community in a safe manner. An extra €6 million was allocated for new ballistic vests to protect front-line Gardaí, €11 million for new Garda mobile devices, apps and specialist equipment and a further €3 million to start procurement for body worn cameras.