Written Answers Nos. 808-827
808. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider implementing a system for the immigration service delivery to immediately return passports upon verification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9461/26]
View answerI understand the Deputy has clarified that this question relates to the visa application process.
I can advise the deputy that when a visa application is successful, a visa sticker is affixed to the applicant's passport. At that point the application is considered complete and the passport is returned to the applicant without delay.
Applicants may also request the return of their passport at the time of submitting their application, prior to a decision being made. In such cases the applicant must resubmit their passport if their visa application is approved.
If an applicant requires the return of their passport after it has been submitted, they should contact the office to which the application was lodged, whether the Visa Office in Dublin, an overseas Visa Office, or an Embassy of Ireland abroad. The Dublin Visa Office can be contacted through the Customer Service Portal at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
Contact details for the overseas Visa Offices are available at: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/#visa
A full list of Irish embassies and their contact details is available at: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/
It should be noted that requesting the return of a passport may prolong the processing times, depending on the nature of the passport movements.
809. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm when a citizenship application will be completed, in view that it is 40 months since the application (details supplied) was first lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9647/26]
View answerThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note, however, that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some checks, such as international checks, can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside of the control of the Immigration Service.
For that reason, while, I expect that going forward, that most applicants will receive a decision within one year, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of applications made in any specific year.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to improve up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
810. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the breakdown of the number of mobile dynamometer machines, per local election area, in each local authority that are available to an Garda Síochána, in tabular form. [9658/26]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 provide that an e-scooter must have a maximum design speed of 20 kilometres per hour or less. An e-scooter which does not meet the technical requirements may not legally be used on public roads.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána launched its E-Scooter/E-bike Dynamometer Proof of Concept exercise in April 2025. This trial involved the deployment of four portable dynamometers designed to measure the maximum capable speed that an e-scooter or e-bike could achieve. These devices were deployed to each Garda Region (DMR, Eastern, Southern and North Western) with each Region maintaining autonomy on where the dynamometer could be deployed within the Region. Dedicated targeted operations took place with a particular focus on urban areas and larger towns.
I am also informed by An Garda Síochána that the evaluation period has now been concluded following the use of the four dynamometer devices nationally. The evaluation focused on the practical use of this technology by Gardaí, its benefits and limitations in an operational environment and the impact on driver behaviour and public interest that the use of the devices generated.
I understand that Garda management are currently assessing options regarding the purchase and allocation of dynamometers to roads policing units.
813. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 will be fully commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/26]
View answerThe Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was enacted on 23 October 2024 and established a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. In March 2025, I signed the orders to commence provisions of the Act, to establish the Authority on a statutory basis from 5 March 2025.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is an independent regulator and its powers are being rolled out on a phased basis. The GRAI’s Strategy Statement 2025-2027, prepared under section 30 of the Act and launched by me as Minister on 15 October 2025, identifies clear goals and objectives for the Authority over the coming years.
Last week I signed a commencement order which allows the Authority to begin accepting and processing applications for remote and in-person betting licences, in line with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, from 5 February 2026.
In addition, other key elements of the Act, including the enforcement and complaints functions that underpin the new licensing framework, have been commenced. The order confers robust investigative powers on the GRAI and allows for administrative sanctions of fines of up to €20 million, or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is the greater, to be imposed on licensees, where they are found to be in contravention of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. A number of criminal enforcement powers have also been commenced, as have provisions to allow the GRAI to apply to the High Court for an order directing illegal operators to cease operations.
The order also provides for the commencement of several other key measures including:
• prohibiting the use of credit cards as a means of payment for gambling;
• the continuation of prohibitions on allowing a child to gamble;
• a prohibition on allowing a child to be employed by licensees;
• enabling customers to set monetary limits on how much they can gamble on-line or remotely;
• obligations on licensees to notify the Authority of suspicious gambling activity;
• obligations on remote gambling providers to protect children online; and
• safeguards for account holders such as the ability of the Authority to limit the amount of money that may be lodged with a licensee.
Officials in my Department are continuing to work, in collaboration with the Authority, on progressing the further commencement of the remaining provisions of the Act as quickly as possible.
814. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessment that has been made of the expected impact of the EU–India free trade agreement on long-stay visa applications, residence permissions, renewals, and family reunification volumes; whether current visa and permission processing capacity is considered appropriate given housing and service constraints; whether throughput, prioritisation, or renewal scrutiny are being managed as part of a capacity-based approach to migration control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9774/26]
View answer815. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Ireland is participating in any EU-level mobility pilots or coordination mechanisms linked to the EU–India free trade agreement, including the proposed “Legal Gateway”; which Irish visa or residence permission pathways, if any, are designated as in scope for such participation; whether this participation is limited strictly to existing permission categories; whether any new, expanded, or expedited visa or residence routes are planned or under consideration in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9775/26]
View answer853. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the mobility framework associated with the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, upon which negotiations concluded on 27 January 2026, will form part of the trade proposal that the Commission will bring to the Council, and therefore be subject to QMV, or whether the mobility agreement between the EU and India will come under the pillar of freedom, security and justice, and be subject to Protocol 21, giving Ireland the facility to either opt-in or remain outside the mobility agreement; and to outline the Government’s view of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10220/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 814, 815 and 853 together.
The EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was concluded on 27 January. The FTA does not create any obligation on Ireland to grant Indian citizens access to the Irish labour market.
All third-country nationals, including Indian citizens, who wish to come to Ireland to be employed in the State, must meet the requirements to have an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, following which, and subject to visa and immigration conditions and checks, my Department issues an appropriate immigration permission. Family reunification applications from employment permit holders are considered in line with the recently revised Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, under which holders of General Employment Permits may apply after twelve months in the State, subject to income thresholds to ensure they are self-sufficient, and Critical Skills Employment Permit holders may apply immediately.
The EU’s proposed European Legal Gateway Office in India is a separate aspect of the strategic EU-India agenda announced last October. It will be an information hub providing skilled workers in India (in the ICT sector initially) with information on employment opportunities where there is a shortage of labour in the EU. Alongside this, the Office will provide general information on related matters such as employment permits, immigration requirements, and recognition of qualifications in EU Member States. The project is an EU initiative, and the Office will gather information from existing public resources such as, in Ireland’s case, my Department’s Immigration Service Delivery website and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s webpages on the employment permit system.
The role of Member States will primarily be to verify that information provided by the Office is accurate. It will be open to Member States, should they wish, to participate more actively in any talent attraction activities undertaken by the Office. Involvement by Member States will be voluntary and based on the relevant State’s labour market interests and needs. Ireland has no plans at present for any active involvement in the European Legal Gateway Office or in any other EU-level pilot involving India. I can also confirm that no new expanded, or expedited, visa or residence routes are planned or under consideration in connection with the Office, and that the Office will not have any role in handling or processing applications for Irish visas, residence permits, or employment permits.
Separately, the EU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India on a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility. This MoU is a non-legally binding text setting out broad principles concerning the mobility of highly skilled workers, seasonal workers, students and researchers within existing EU migration rules. The text is clear that the MoU does not create new legal obligations or rights under international or domestic law, and that it is without prejudice to EU Member States’ competence regarding mobility and migration.
The MoU is a political declaration outlining potential areas of cooperation and is largely based on the migration framework set out in several EU Directives concerning the entry and stay of workers, students and researchers, and seasonal workers. Under Protocol 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland does not take part in EU measures in the area of freedom, security and justice, which includes migration, unless we choose to opt in.
As Ireland has not opted into any of the relevant Directives, mobility in these categories remains entirely subject to domestic Irish immigration rules. The MoU itself is not a legal instrument and does not have a legal basis in the TFEU pillar of freedom, security and justice. Because of this, the question of opting in under Protocol 21 does not arise. In line with the procedure on non-legally binding instruments, the European Commission transmitted the text of the Memorandum to the Council of the European Union and secured authorisation for signature on behalf of the EU as a non-binding instrument. The MoU was signed at the EU-India Summit on 27 January 2026.
The MoU is not part of the EU-India FTA but is complementary to it. It aims to foster research and innovation, address skill gaps and labour shortages, and promote economic growth through mobility of highly skilled people. In these respects, many sectors in Ireland benefit greatly from the contributions of Indian citizens. As noted above, our domestic immigration rules, including visas, residence permissions, and the employment permit system operated by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will continue to provide a managed pathway for suitably qualified individuals where roles cannot be filled domestically or from the EEA/UK/Switzerland.
816. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware of any policy sanctioned by his or other Departments which allows for the confiscation of donations made to international protection applications; if he is aware of where these donated items are redirected to once confiscated; the body or person which has the authority to implement such a policy and the basis; if such a policy will be provided for in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9804/26]
View answerThe State is legally obliged to offer accommodation and basic supports to people applying for international protection. Over 33,000 people are currently resident in 311 IPAS accommodation centres nationwide.
There is no central system managing offers of donations to IPAS accommodation centres, and the Department does not require any policy or procedure on donations to be followed as part of our contractual arrangements with centres and centre management.
However, in practice, many local organisations or individuals engage directly with local centre management regarding donations. The Department is aware that some centres receive donations of clothing, books, toys and other items for use by and to support residents. Where this is in place, these are managed at the centre level.
Locally, there are often community supports or connections in place, either through local community groups or advocacy organisations that have regular connections with or visit IPAS centres in the area.
Should the Deputy be aware of any issues in relation to local donations, these can be communicated to IPAS for review by emailing ipasinbox@justice.ie.
817. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the efficiency of the reliance on paper-based forms as part of the Garda vetting process; if an update to digital applications is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9807/26]
View answerThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current Garda Vetting system is delivered in a standard format to each organisation. While the vetting application form can be completed online, a face-to-face element remains necessary to verify identity and obtain handwritten consent. An Garda Síochána currently does not accept digital signatures, as their use presents security and integrity risks within the vetting process. These include potential disputes over identity, intent, and the possibility of document tampering.
An Garda Síochána recognises the administrative burden involved, and, in light of ongoing technological advancements, options to improve efficiency while maintaining robust safeguards continue to be examined. These will be considered as part of wider steps that are now being taken to implement a number of key changes to the vetting process that will ensure it remains robust and effective while improving the service to customers.
818. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will introduce mandatory sentencing for gender-based violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9869/26]
View answer819. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will introduce femicide as a separate criminal offence, carrying a mandatory sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9870/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 819 together.
We should never forget that when talking about domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), we are talking about the most serious of crimes, including murder. The Domestic Violence Act 2018 ensures that it will be an aggravating factor in sentencing for a range of offences, including any offence which involves violence or a threat of violence to a person, where the abuse took place in the context of a current or former intimate relationship. A mandatory life sentence follows from a conviction for murder, in all cases. In addition, the proposed Life Sentences Bill will allow judges to recommend a minimum period to be served in custody before a person is released on parole, reflecting the circumstances of the case. The Government approved the drafting this Bill last July and work is underway to progress it.
The separation of powers is enshrined in the Constitution to ensure judges are independent of Government. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. In accordance with the principle of judicial independence, the court is required to impose a sentence which is proportionate not only to the crime, but to the individual offender, identifying where on the sentencing range the particular case should lie and then applying any mitigating factors which may be present.
In 2019, the Judicial Council was created pursuant to the Judicial Council Act 2019 to promote judicial independence as well as to ensure public confidence in the administration of justice. The Council is an independent body whose members are all judges in Ireland. As Minister, I have no role in relation to the operation of the Judicial Council or its Committees. The Judicial Council Act 2019 also provided for the establishment of the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee of the Judicial Council. The Committee was established in 2020, and its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with the collation of information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others.
In respect of progress on the set of guidelines for offences of domestic violence/violence in the context of a relationship, the Judicial Council engaged Southeastern Technological University to carry out a research project with judges in the District Court. The final draft of that report was published in December 2024 and the Committee has accepted its key recommendations relating to the sentencing of relationship violence in the District Court. I am further advised that the Committee is proceeding to the next phase of Guideline development, involving consultation with stakeholder organisations and experts, and will then provide draft guidelines to the board of the Judicial Council.
Alongside this, the Government has undertaken a broad range of actions to combat the scourge of DSGBV. In 2022, Zero Tolerance, our most ambitious strategy to combat DSGBV and better support victims was published. This whole-of-Government Strategy was developed with the sector to ensure it is targeted and effective and will bring us towards Zero Tolerance for any form of DSGBV in our society.
Information in An Garda Síochána’s publication on victim/offender relationships confirms that when women are killed, it is usually at the hands of a partner or former partner. This shows how imperative it is that we, as a society, continue to prioritise our work to combat DSGBV. To this end we have strengthened our laws by increasing maximum sentences and introducing new stand-alone offences including stalking and non-fatal strangulation. This is to both encourage more victims to come forward and to hold perpetrators to account.
Work on legislative reform continues. I have introduced significant legislative change to allow for the removal of guardianship rights of a person who has been convicted of killing their intimate partner under the proposed Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill, and secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 which includes measures to allow perpetrators of domestic violence be included on a new register of domestic violence judgments run by the courts and strengthen the law on sexual consent.
There are now Divisional Protective Service Units in every Garda Division so that vulnerable victims can be supported by specially trained Gardaí. There is a comprehensive online domestic violence training programme in AGS regarding the Domestic Violence Act 2018, along with An Garda Síochána's policy on Domestic Abuse Intervention. There has also been a new sexual offences unit established in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A key element of the Zero Tolerance Strategy was the establishment in 2024 of Cuan, the DSGBV agency now tasked with driving and coordinating the delivery of the actions under Zero Tolerance. Funding increased to almost €80 million under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of Zero Tolerance
The findings of the CSO sexual violence prevalence survey were published in 2023, and a new survey that will produce statistics on the pattern and prevalence of gender-based and domestic violence in Ireland is currently under development by the CSO in collaboration with Cuan and my Department which will provide data and research to further inform policy development and legislative reforms in this area.
In 2023 my Department also published the independent review of familicide and a significant number of the recommendations made in that review are being progressed as part of our work to tackle DSGBV. This includes development of a model for conducting Domestic Homicide Reviews to establish what lessons could be learned from the circumstances of a domestic homicide, including femicide, and to make recommendations to improve systemic responses to those at risk, in order to help prevent similar deaths in future.
820. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of members of An Garda Síochána currently suspended from duty; the number that have been suspended in each of the years from 2015 to date in 2026; the full number on suspension in each of those years; the number of those suspended that are on suspension on full pay; the shortest suspension period and longest suspension period in each of the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/26]
View answerThe vast majority of Gardaí serve with integrity and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
However, there are robust procedures in place to allow the Garda Commissioner to deal with any allegations of misconduct and the Commissioner is committed to ensuring that the highest levels of integrity are maintained by Gardaí.
I am informed that there were 107 Gardaí suspended at the end of 2025 and that 42 new suspensions were initiated across last year.
The below table has been provided to me by Garda authorities, showing the number of Gardaí that have been suspended for the years 2015 to 2024, as well as shortest suspension period and longest suspension period in each of those years.
|
- |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
No. of Members Suspended |
12 |
9 |
9 |
21 |
26 |
41 |
44 |
44 |
27 |
18 |
|
Shortest number of days * |
26 |
9 |
242 |
22 |
53 |
35 |
1 |
32 |
13 |
28 |
|
Longest number of days * |
2,113 |
2,674 |
1,327 |
2,387 |
2,276 |
1,855 |
1,536 |
1,156 |
829 |
391 |
*Figures represent days suspended.
The length of time a Garda is suspended for may be dependent on criminal cases and/or a member choosing to exercise their right to judicially review the process. These factors can result in a protracted suspension period. The suspension of each member is reviewed on a quarterly basis by senior Garda management.
The Commissioner's monthly report to the Policing and Community Safety Authority contains figures on the number of suspended Gardaí and a breakdown of the main issue behind each suspension. These reports can be found at the below link:
Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing and Community Safety Authority - Garda (www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/)
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes Garda discipline. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions, including decisions related to the suspension of Garda members
821. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda recruits to the training college in the years 2024 and 2025, by intake and the number that attested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/26]
View answer823. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of intakes which are projected to Templemore for new Garda training in 2026; the expected dates of those; the number currently in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 823 together.
Getting more Gardaí on our streets is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of over €2.74 billion.
The first of four intakes planned for 2026 entered the Garda training College on Monday 9 February. Intake 261 saw 215 recruits enter Templemore, making it the third intake in a row with 200 or more recruits entering the college. The dates of future intakes will coincide with the attestation of intakes that are currently undergoing training.
The following data for intakes to the college from 2024 to Q1 2026 has been provided to me by Garda authorities:
|
Intake Number |
Intake Date |
Intake Total |
Attestation Date |
Attested Total |
|
Intake 241 |
8-Apr-24 |
186 |
13-Dec-24 |
169 |
|
Intake 242 |
1-Jul-24 |
157 |
7-Mar-25 |
151 |
|
Intake 243 |
23-Sep-24 |
125 |
6-Jun-25 |
120 |
|
Intake 244 |
16-Dec-24 |
162 |
22-Aug-25 |
154 |
|
Intake 251 |
10-Mar-25 |
201 |
14-Nov-25 |
194 |
|
Intake 252 |
9-Jun-25 |
170 |
6-Feb-26 |
167 |
|
Intake 253 |
25-Aug-25 |
200 |
May 2026 |
TBC |
|
Intake 254 |
17-Nov-25 |
223 |
July 2026 |
TBC |
|
Intake 255 |
9-Feb-26 |
215 |
October 2026 |
TBC |
There are many circumstances under which a Garda trainee may not complete training with their initial intake including, but not limited to, reversion to another intake due to injury/medical issues, maternity leave or academic suspension. The Deputy will also be aware that like in any other career, an individual may choose to leave the training program if they decide it is not right for them, however, the numbers who do not complete training are low.
822. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a breakdown for 2024 and 2025 of the allocation of new attested Gardaí to division and station in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9976/26]
View answerGetting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing.
In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes detailed breakdowns on the allocation of Gardaí, including the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station. This information is updated on a regular basis, following each attestation, and can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the most recent month and then the sheet titled 'Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to Most Recent Month'.
It is important to note that the allocation of Probationer Gardaí is one part of the overall picture. Another part is the transfer of serving Gardaí to their preferred location which is facilitated by the allocation of a Probationer Garda to their current location.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Gardaí throughout the State.
824. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of resignations and retirements respectively from An Garda Síochána in each of the years from 2015 to-date in 2026; the number projected to retire in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/26]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
825. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí allocated to roads policing in each of the years from 2015 to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/26]
View answerAn Garda Síochána play a vital role in enforcing road traffic law and in making our roads safer for all road users, including vulnerable road users. Road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Gardaí throughout the State.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing by Garda Division from 2009 to the end of December 2025, the latest date for which figures are available. This can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Roads Policing by division 2009 to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Garda members assigned by Division.
The Deputy may wish to note that all uniformed Gardaí are directed to undertake 30 minutes of high-visibility roads policing in each tour of duty.
826. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a list of the specialist units in An Garda Síochána; the number of Gardaí allocated to each of those units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/26]
View answerI have requested the information from the Garda authorities, however, this was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
For the Deputy's information, I am informed by An Garda Síochána that while a number of National Specialist Units operate across the organisation to support Divisions in their operational duties and investigations, detailed information regarding the number of Gardaí allocated to some specialist units, such as the Special Detective Unit, can not be provided for operational and security reasons.
827. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount of capital investment into new vehicles for An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years; the number of new vehicles bought each year; the breakdown of the type purchased; the total number of vehicles available to the force, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, including the allocation and deployment of Garda resources, and determining the manner in which Garda resources are to be distributed and stationed throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 December 2025, there were 3,650 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
An Garda Síochána publishes detailed information on the Garda fleet from 2008 to date, including annual expenditure on the purchase of vehicles, the age profile of the Garda fleet and a breakdown of the vehicles available.
This is publicly available on their website at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
Monthly Fleet reports are currently available from 2020 to December 2025.
