Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1148. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in Irish diplomatic missions abroad, by rank and mission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1945/24]

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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. 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.

In accordance with Section 51 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Commissioner, subject to the agreement of the Government, can assign Garda members overseas as Liaison Officers, to engage with law enforcement agencies of other States.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 December 2023, there were 16 Garda members on overseas assignments with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Interpol, Europol and MAOC(N), the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre. I am further informed there are fewer than 10 Garda Liaison Officers in various other locations.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

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 purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that An Garda Síochána are working with the Office of Public Works on the rollout of electric charge points at Garda Stations across the country. This is a large scale project that will continue for a number of years with the ultimate aim of installing electric vehicle chargers in every Garda Station.

I am further advised that 7% of active Garda stations have charging points and 4% of the current Garda fleet is either fully electric or plug in hybrid.