Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
748. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 9 October 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda Commissioner in order to have this question answered. [44572/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
As of 30 September 2024, the number of Gardaí attached to Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), by Rank, is as follows:
|
Chief Superintendent |
Superintendent |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
* |
* |
* |
12 |
74 |
94 |
*Denotes less than 10
I am advised that a more detailed breakdown of these Garda members cannot be provided as data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that immigration administrative functions should transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of my Department.
So far in 2024, my Department has taken the majority of responsibility for first time registrations from An Garda Síochána, and also handles immigration permission renewals for customers nationwide. It is anticipated that the nationwide transfer of registration functions to my Department will be substantively completed by early 2025.
It is important to note that GNIB is a national unit that provides assistance, advice and support to Immigration Officers located in Garda Divisions around the country on the administration and investigation of immigration related matters. Immigration officers located around the country are not members of GNIB, and therefore the number of Gardaí working on immigration matters is much higher than the table provided.
This civilianisation process which will be complete in early 2025 will have released up to 100 more Gardaí to support immigration enforcement activities.
