Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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925. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Garda division that includes Louth, in each of the past five years, including a breakdown of personnel numbers in each local area/Garda station, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12491/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885 and 925 together.

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 different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.3 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 29 February 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 13,930 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 9% since the end of December 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.

Information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link:

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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886. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the new statutory instrument extending Garda retirement age from 60 to 62 years will be signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12291/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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We know a strengthened An Garda Síochána is central to building stronger, safer communities. So it is important that we retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible. In addition, increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality across all sectors that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer.

I have approved over 150 retirement extensions since 2020, at the request of the Garda Commissioner under existing legislative provisions, so it is very clear that many Garda members want to work beyond the age of 60.

I am currently working to bring the necessary changes to statutory instruments providing regulations governing the retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána. This work will be done in tandem with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, who will prepare legislation for inclusion into a suitable legislative vehicle to amend the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

This will facilitate an increase in the mandatory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána and it is hoped we can make these changes as early as possible.