Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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438. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to each district community policing units within the Kildare Garda division as of 31 December 2021 and 28 June 2023, in tabular form. [32673/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Community policing is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.

I want to emphasise that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

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

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Funding has been provided for up to 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore every 11 weeks.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that member is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.

I am also advised that in some rural areas, the existing personnel will form CPTs. They will have dual functions as first responders and community policing members. Additionally, CPTs will be augmented by Community Support Gardaí who will perform frontline duties and will be assigned a particular Community Policing Area to support dedicated Community Gardaí.

I understand that each Division will have a number of CPTs assigned to it, consisting of an Inspector, Sergeant and Community Policing Gardaí. CPTs will prioritise engagement with communities for the delivery of long-term sustainable solutions to community needs.

I can inform the Deputy that at end December 2021 there were 9 Community Gardaí assigned to Kildare Division. I am advised that the number of Community Gardaí in the Division has increased slightly with 10 Community Gardaí assigned to the Division at end May 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.

The tables below which have been provided to me by the Garda authorities breaks down these Community Gardaí by station for the years requested. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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439. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of stables currently in use by the Garda mounted unit; and the number of kennels currently in use by the Garda dog unit. [32675/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

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, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.

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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of D/Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

I am advised that there are 15 stables in the Garda Mounted Unit facility in Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park. There are also two locations utilised by the Garda Mounted Unit excluding the Phoenix Park. The Landmark Trust Mews, Merrion Square, (two standing stalls and two stables) and Dublin Castle (two standing stalls) are occasionally utilised by the Garda Mounted Unit when on extended patrols in Dublin City Centre and the horses require rest or feeding.

I am further advised that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, the strategic control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services and the operational control of Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

In addition, there are regional Dog Units based at Cork and Limerick in the Southern Region. The units at Cork and Limerick are under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of local Garda Management.

I am informed there are six dog kennels in the Garda Dog Unit, Kilmainham, all in use. There are two dog kennels in the Garda Dog Unit, Henry Street, Limerick and two dog kennels in the Garda Dog Unit, Douglas Garda Station which are also in use.