The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Crime Prevention Officer positions in the Tipperary and Kilkenny Divisions have been vacant since 2010 and the positions in the Dublin Metropolitan Region East and Kerry Garda Divisions are vacant since earlier this year. As pointed out above, the matter is kept under constant review by the Commissioner.