Brian Brennan
Ceist:548. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Garda numbers in a region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 March 2025
Ceisteanna (548)
Freagraí scríofa
It is my first priority as Minister for Justice to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment and civilianisation where appropriate.
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, 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, there was a total of 14,167 Garda members nationwide. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí assigned to Counties Wicklow and Wexford by Station up to the end of January 2025 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/
The Deputy can access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 31 January 2025” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by division and by rank.