Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

28. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each of the Cork divisions comparing figures from 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43952/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Budget 2024 provides funding of €2.31 billion for An Garda Síochána, up 23 per cent since 2020. This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Gardaí have the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and, most importantly, the personnel they need to carry out their vital work.

This level of funding will continue to provide for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 Gardaí next year, with new recruits entering 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 the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. The Commissioner also determines the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State under the provisions of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

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.

The table below, which has been provided by An Garda Síochána, shows the number of Gardaí assigned to each of the divisions within Cork for the years requested. Information for 2023 is as of 31 August. All information supplied is operational and subject to change.