Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
79. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of gardaí recruited to work in Mayo in the past ten years; the total number of gardaí who have left the force in County Mayo during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35065/26]
View answerAn Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations nationwide. This includes a breakdown of Probationer Gardaí assigned by Garda Station from 2015 to the end of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available. This can be found at the following links:
2014-2025 www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/garda-strength-breakdown-2025.html
2026 www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/garda-strength-breakdown-2026.html
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Gardaí assigned by station.
It should be noted that the Mayo Division was amalgamated with Roscommon/Longford Division under the new Operating Model in 2022.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 39 probationers were assigned to stations in Mayo since 2015, which includes one probationer who was assigned in February 2026. The allocation of each intake of newly attested probationer Gardaí is considered by the Commissioner in the context of the overall operational needs and policing priorities of the organisation, whilst also having regard to the resourcing requirements of each Garda Division. It is also 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 attestation and allocation of a Probationer Gardaí.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that, when allocating and transferring Gardaí 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 are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
Newly attested Gardaí are allocated to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of retirements and resignations in Mayo from 2016 to March 2026
|
Year |
No. of Retirements/Resignations |
|
2026 |
5 |
|
2025 |
12 |
|
2024 |
15 |
|
2023 |
19 |
|
2022 |
15 |
|
2021 |
16 |
|
2020 |
21 |
|
2019 |
5 |
|
2018 |
10 |
|
2017 |
12 |
|
2016 |
9 |
|
Total |
139 |
Earlier this week An Garda Síochána launched their latest recruitment drive. This competition will help to ensure that we maintain the steady pipeline of new recruits. I encourage anyone with an interest in a career as a Garda member to apply through publicjobs.
I am determined to ensure that we have a steady pipeline of new recruits into the Garda college so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all around the country.
