Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí available throughout County Kildare and the State in general to respond to any needs of the general public or emergencies arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26720/24]

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 the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I can 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 30 April 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 14,013 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of over 9% since the end of December 2015. There is a total of 423 Garda members assigned to Kildare Division. This represents an increase of over 35% since the end of December 2015.

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station is publicly available and can be found at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.