Erin McGreehan
Ceist:781. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in County Louth in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [2268/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 February 2025
Ceisteanna (781)
Freagraí scríofa
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 the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. An Garda Síochána's budget allocation is over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed 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.
I understand that 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;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
As the Deputy is aware, Louth Division has merged with Cavan/Monaghan Division under the Garda Operating Model. I am informed that there were 718 Garda members assigned to Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division at the end of 2024.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024, including a breakdown of the number of Gardaí in County Louth in the years requested, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/#