74. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí that have been seconded to operational duties away from their base stations to Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. [49646/26]

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under section 34 of the Act.

Since January 2024, An Garda Síochána has been actively preparing to meet the policing and security requirements associated with the Presidency of the EU. I am informed that a comprehensive command, control and coordination framework is in place to support the delivery of Presidency-related policing operations, together with all other major and significant policing operations and events, while ensuring the continued provision of effective day-to-day policing services.

I am informed that at present, no significant disruption to normal Garda services is anticipated from EU Presidency-related policing operations. Garda authorities advise that it is expected that Garda clinics, community meetings, stakeholder engagement initiatives, victim support services, criminal investigations, case management functions, court-related duties and prosecution processes will continue to be delivered in the normal course.

While certain events may necessitate the deployment of a greater number of Garda personnel than others, I am assured that sufficient Garda resources will remain available to ensure the continued delivery of effective and consistent Garda services throughout the Presidency period. Continuity of core policing services across all functional areas remains a key organisational priority.

I understand that a small number of Gardaí have been temporarily transferred to Dublin Castle to effectively support and implement a robust policing and security operation for the duration of the EU Presidency however the attestation of 979 Gardaí since March 2025 will ensure that An Garda Síochána have the necessary resources to maintain policing services in divisions nationwide while also providing for the security needs of the Presidency.