Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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714. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in the DMR each year from 2020 to 2023, broken down by division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40582/23]

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, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is by law is responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including for the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such 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.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to each Division within the DMR at the end of December 2020 up to the end of December 2022, and at the 31 August 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. This information is operational and may be subject to change.

The Deputy will wish to be aware that 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/

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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By way of background, because fireworks are explosives, they are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law.

Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.

Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. Penalties include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

I am very aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off cause, in particular, our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on guide dogs, pets and other animals and livestock.

That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.

This year’s campaign will again emphasise the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on communities and both wild and domestic animals. Highlighting the damaging and life changing consequences these dangers can pose, not only to those who directly use illegal fireworks, but also innocent bystanders to whom the improper use of fireworks can cause serious distress and injury, the campaign urges people to consider those who are indirectly impacted by their actions over this Halloween period. The campaign also seeks to remind the public of the serious penalties that can be imposed for the misuse of illegal fireworks.

I intend to launch this year's awareness raising campaign next week in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs and Dublin Fire Brigade.

Further each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a National Operation. I have requested details of the activities to be undertaken as part of Operation Tombola in 2023 from An Garda Síochána. Unfortunately, these details were not available in the time allowed but I will write to the Deputy directly once further information is available.