James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

56. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is aware that the moving of court proceedings from Youghal to Dungarvan will mean no gardaí will be in Youghal and Killeagh when the court is in session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36666/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of court business is the responsibility of the judiciary who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is carried out by the independent Courts Service. Insofar as the administration and management of An Garda Síochána is concerned, these are matters for the Garda Commissioner. in which I have no role as Minister.

However, I am advised that Garda management throughout the country keeps the distribution of resources under ongoing review, to ensure their optimum use in light of crime trends and identified operational needs, including managing court attendance. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs. There is an unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion this year which is providing for increased recruitment of Garda personnel.

There are currently 663 Garda members assigned to the Cork County Division, of which Youghal is a part. There are also 76 Garda staff currently working in the Division. Gardaí now operate under a Divisional organisational model and do not police the country on an individual station basis.

The overall Garda workforce, which includes Gardaí, Garda Staff and Reserves currently stands at over 18,000, the highest level in the organisation’s history. The Government is committed to continuing to build this and a range of further measures is ongoing to support An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members over the next five years.