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. The Garda Budget is now at its highest ever level. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 will allow for sustained recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits in 2024.

While I have no direct role in the assignment of Gardaí or any Garda resource, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the public.

I can inform the Deputy that as of the end of November 2023, there were 674 Garda members assigned to the Clare/Tipperary Division.

Garda members in the Clare/Tipperary Division are supported by 123 Garda staff. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.

In the interest of transparency, detailed Garda workforce figures are published on gov.ie and are regularly updated by my Department, from information supplied by the Garda Authorities. These include a breakdown by rank of Gardaí in each station and division, as well as figures on the Garda Reserve and Probationer Gardaí.

www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Clare/Tipperary division and have been advised by the Garda Authorities that figures under 10 cannot be released as it could identify the individuals involved.

For the Deputy's information, the Garda Commissioner provides monthly overall figures on persons suspended in An Garda Síochána to the independent Policing Authority. These reports are published and available at:

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-authority/

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that there are currently 25 Garda personnel in the Clare/ Tipperary Division on restricted duties, which represents approximately 3.7% of the 674 assigned to the division as of 30 November 2023.

These Garda personnel are currently restricted to station work. I am also advised that such restricted duties are based on the medical advice of the Garda Chief Medical Officer.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Units. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review. I am advised that this is considered in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure the optimum use of these resources.

To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that there are 146 Garda members assigned to specialist units in the Clare/Tipperary division.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the number of attested Gardaí who are working in office-based roles within the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division is 38.

I can also advise the Deputy that since 2015 the number of Garda staff for Clare/Tipperary has almost doubled from 63 to 123. Garda Staff perform a number of vital roles that are essential to a modern police service and increase the availability of Gardaí to concentrate on frontline policing duties.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 12 members in the Immigration Unit at Shannon Airport, all of whom are of the ranks of Detective Garda or Detective Sergeant. All 12 members attached to the Airport are included among the 56 members assigned to Shannon Garda Station.