Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as of the 31 October 2023, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 3,952. This represents over 28% of total Garda strength. For context, this compares favourably with the total of 3,130, or 21.7%, on 31 December 2008.

For the Deputy's information the following table, as supplied to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the number of women in An Garda Síochána from the end of December 2014 up to the end of October 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.

As this table shows, the number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. I understand that 28% is above the European average.

I am also informed that over the past decade the number of female Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants has doubled in the organisation. The Deputy may also be interested to know that at the end of October 2023 the Senior Leadership Team of Assistant Commissioner and above is now 54% female.

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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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána. In exercising this function the Garda Commissioner ensures that relevant policing developments in other jurisdictions are reviewed on an on-going basis so that international best practice can be identified and, where appropriate, applied throughout An Garda Síochána. In addition when developing policy or legislative proposals on policing matters my Department has regard to international models.

As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) contains provisions to assist the Garda Síochána to operate to international best practice. For example, the Act requires the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to benchmark their recommendations by reference to the best standards of comparable police services, therefore, every inspection conducted by the Garda Inspectorate, and any recommendation arising therefrom, has involved examining and taking account of policing best practice internationally.

The Deputy may also wish to note one of the functions of the Garda Professional Standards Unit, is to promote the highest standards of practice, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. The Unit undertakes reviews, as directed by the Garda Commissioner, into operational, administrative and management matters relating to the Garda Síochána at all levels. Arising from these reviews, measures to improve performance and promote the highest standards of practice throughout the Garda Síochána are proposed. The Garda Commissioner draws on the Unit's proposals to enhance policing practices and policies.

As the Deputy may also be aware a need to revise the current structures and practices in An Garda Síochána’s community policing delivery was identified in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report as published on 18 September 2018.

The Community Policing Framework was introduced by the Commissioner in 2020. The Framework is accompanied by Community Policing Framework Guidelines for each and every member of An Garda Síochána and Garda staff. The guidelines provide An Garda Síochána with six key principles that must be adhered to in order to deliver an effective community policing service, responsive to the needs of a modern and diverse community.

In developing the Framework, An Garda Síochána engaged with key stakeholders, internal and external, to identify the policing requirements of communities. An Garda Síochána listened to the guidance from their oversight agencies and carefully considered the recommendations contained in relevant reports on delivery of a community policing service (Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland’s report, ‘The Future of Policing in Ireland, 2018’; Garda Síochána Inspectorate Report, ‘Crime Investigation, 2014’ and ‘Policing with Local Communities 2018’; and the KC Consulting Report on Community Policing 2017).

Furthermore, the Garda National Community Policing Unit (GNCPU) within the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau is a key driver in the delivery of the Framework. One of the principal functions of the Unit is to research best practice in community policing nationally and internationally.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Deputy will agree that we are all immensely grateful to An Garda Síochána for their outstanding dedication and commitment and for the important role that they play in our society, all too frequently putting themselves in real danger. I would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms any threats against members of An Garda Síochána or any front-line worker. It is imperative that Gardaí are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.

As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken or would take generally in situations where individual Gardaí are subject to threats or intimidation. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities will certainly be taken.

I can assure the Deputy that I am also committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the statutory powers they require. There is a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.

I have already introduced tough new sentences, including doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm to 10 years. I have also increased the sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life, and the sentence for assaulting a Garda or emergency worker from 7 to 12 years.

I am pleased to say that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 5 December. The Act provides for body-worn cameras, Garda CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and Community CCTV.

The crucial introduction of body-worn cameras is being accelerated through a separate proof of concept project involving the deployment next year of body-worn cameras in Dublin city centre.