Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
213. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the criteria used in the determination of the allocation of Gardaí will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23012/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the allocation and deployment of resources available to him, under section 33 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
The Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions under section 34 of the Act.
As Minister, I do not direct the Commissioner in the allocation of policing resources or the deployment of Garda personnel as these matters are reserved to him by law. I am also unable to direct the Commissioner regarding the publication of internal Garda policies or procedures.
I am assured that the Garda Commissioner and his senior management team keep the distribution of resources under ongoing review and I understand that, when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
The requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide must be taken into account when allocating Garda personnel, which include but are not limited to:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
It is also worth noting that An Garda Síochána police on a divisional basis and not a station basis, viewing their station buildings as locations within communities where the public can attend, and where resources are based but not constrained within. I am assured that policing for an area is delivered using all the resources in a particular Community Engagement area, supported by both divisional and national resources and units, as appropriate.
