Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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408. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form, for the years 2018 to 2023, the number of gardaí by rank and division in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32936/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 419 together.

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardaí and 400 additional Garda staff this year, with new recruits to enter the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.

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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however 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.

To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that as of 31 May there are 391 Garda members assigned to Louth Division which represents an increase of just over 12% since 2018, when there were 348 Garda members. I have also been advised that the tables in the attached document set out the number of Garda members assigned to Louth Division from end 2018 up to end May 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.

In the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/