Written answer
An Garda Síochána
1622. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of An Garda Síochána units handling technical analysis of electronic devices from subjects of interest and from complainants/witnesses, from 2019 through 2025 by district and year. [73995/25]
Comment on this
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, including the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act and, as Minister, I have no role in the deployment of Garda resources to the various Divisions or Bureaux.
The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) provides assistance to investigators in the forensic examination of digital devices that have been seized as part of criminal investigations. This may include devices belonging to both suspects and witnesses.
GNCCB is comprised of the National Office based at Walter Scott House, Dublin and four GNCCB Satellite Hubs, based at Cork, Galway, Mullingar and Wexford. These hubs were established in 2021.
A fifth hub in Dundalk is currently under development and is due to be operationalised in 2026. The forensic examination and analysis of digital devices is conducted at the GNCCB National Office and GNCCB Satellite Hubs.
GNCCB personnel numbers at the end of each year are provided below.
An Garda Síochána also continues to train and upskill members of An Garda Síochána in the examination and analysis of digital devices.