Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2023
150. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí assigned to each station within the DMR west and DMR south central areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2 billion. This unprecedented amount will fund the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda recruits as well as over 400 Garda staff.
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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members . As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review.
I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs. I am further advised that there are no set requirements to have a specific number of Community Gardaí posts across the Divisions.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to both the D.M.R. West and D.M.R. South Central Divisions at 31 January 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
DMR WEST Division |
Number of Community Gardaí |
|
Ballyfermot |
8 |
|
Blanchardstown |
11 |
|
Cabra |
5 |
|
Clondalkin |
7 |
|
Finglas |
9 |
|
Lucan |
10 |
|
Rathcoole |
4 |
|
Ronanstown |
9 |
|
Total |
63 |
|
DMR South Central Division |
Number of Community Gardaí |
|
Donnybrook |
4 |
|
Irishtown |
3 |
|
Kevin Street |
5 |
|
Kilmainham |
10 |
|
Pearse Street |
22 |
|
Total |
44 |
Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
It is important to note that, to date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society, including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.
Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
