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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 March 2025

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Ceisteanna (149)

Aisling Dempsey

Aisling Dempsey

Aisling Dempsey

Ceist:

149. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí currently assigned to stations in Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12614/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Jim O'Callaghan

Minister for Justice

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. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of 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.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 January 2025, the latest date for which figures are available, there was a total Garda workforce of almost 18,000.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí assigned to the Meath/Westmeath Division by Station up to 31 January 2025 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 January 2025, there were 547 Gardaí in total assigned to the Meath/Westmeath Division. Of these, 313 Gardaí are assigned to stations across Meath. Please note that this information is operational and subject to change.

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