Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Pádraig O'SullivanPádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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1030. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of Gardaí for Cork city and county in January 2024; the number of Gardaí in Cork city and county for January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1672/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. Budget 2025 provides an allocation of €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána – this is a 27% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to direct the Commissioner in any operational decisions.

However, to be of assistance I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána.

The table below and attached sets out the total number of Gardaí, by rank, in Cork as of 31 January 2024 and 31 December 2024. (All Garda ranks - excludes Garda Reserves)

Cork City Cork County
31 January 2024 695 604
31 December 2024 673 609

In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide up to 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for detailed figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website at:

Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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1031. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí currently available in the Cahir, Clonmel Garda district; the grades and unit the Gardaí are assigned to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1693/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.

In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.

As the Deputy is aware, Tipperary Division has merged with Clare Division under the new Garda Operating Model. I am advised that, on 31 October 2024 there were 660 Garda members of all ranks assigned to the Clare/Tipperary Division.

The tables below, which were provided to me by the Garda authorities, set out the number of Garda members assigned to the districts of Cahir and Clonmel on 31 October 2024, the latest date for when figures are available.

CAHIR GD SG IN SU CS AC Total
ARDFINNAN 1 1
BALLYPOREEN 1 1
CAHIR 32 5 1 38
CASHEL 8 1 9
CLOGHEEN 1 1
TOTAL 43 6 1 50
CLONMEL District GD SG IN SU CS AC Total
CARRICK-ON-SUIR 8 3 11
CLONMEL 54 10 3 1 68
FETHARD 1 1 2
KILSHEELAN 1 1
MULLINAHONE 1 1
TOTAL 65 14 3 1 83

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. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1032. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reasoning for hiring an additional 5,000 Gardaí in the draft Programme for Government; her views on whether this will be adequate to fulfil the State’s policing requirement; if consideration was given to hiring 6,000 Gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1724/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the incoming Government has set the priorities in the draft Programme for Government and work to progress these commitments will commence on the appointment of the new Government.

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1033. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for a decision on the establishment of a second Garda training college; the factors to be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1725/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the incoming government has set the priorities in the draft Programme for Government. Work to progress these commitments will commence on the appointment of the new Government. The Deputy will appreciate that, as a result, timelines or operational details on policy proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.

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