Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposals to increase the emphasis on community policing, which is a very highly regarded policing measure in communities throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGetting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent crime is my first priority as Minister for Justice.
This 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 Programme for Government includes a commitment to ensure each community policing area has a dedicated community Garda, so everyone knows their local officer and how to contact them.
Community policing continues to play a vital role in building trust and confidence between Gardaí and the public, through visible, responsive policing and open dialogue in neighbourhoods, schools and diverse community groups. It is through this engagement that communities and Gardaí work together to prevent crime and strengthen local resilience.
While the allocation of Garda resources is, by law, a matter for the Garda Commissioner, I am advised that community policing remains a high priority for An Garda Síochána. Community policing is delivered across the country and is supported by the Garda National Community Policing Unit within the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí assigned to Community Policing units by Division is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the most recent month and access the file titled “Community Garda by Division 2008 to the most recent date” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers going back to 2008.
