2262. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí assigned to each Garda division, together with the population of each division, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; the number of Gardaí included in the strength figures for the Cork city division who are assigned to national or regional units rather than to divisional policing duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56903/26]

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. By law, he is responsible for all stationing and deployment decisions, including the designation to, and/or assignment of Garda members and staff to specialist and national units. Under section 34 of the Act, he is independent in these matters.

As Minister, it is my role to support the Commissioner in ensuring he has the resources he needs. Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing.

An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of the number of Gardaí by rank assigned to each Garda Division as at 30 June 2026, the latest date for when figures are available.

The information for 2026 can be found at the following link:

www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/

The Deputy should select the statistics for 2026, June 2026 and then select the file titled ‘Garda Members by Division District Station" to access a breakdown of Garda members assigned to each Division.

Information for 2021 to 2025 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/december-2025.html

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Garda resources is kept under continued review to ensure their optimum use.

It is important to note that ratios such as the number of Gardaí per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.

When allocating resources, consideration is also given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan. 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.

It should also be noted that, with the completion of the roll-out of the Garda Operating Model, Divisions are now organised into Functional Areas. Under this model, An Garda Síochána do not police on a station basis, but rather on a Divisional basis and see stations as locations within communities for people to attend, and for resources to be accommodated. Policing for an area will be delivered using all resources in a Community Engagement Area and supported by Divisional resources and units.

An Garda Síochána acknowledges that they have previously published details in respect of national and regional units, however, for operational reasons and given the current geopolitical situation it is not appropriate for detailed data on individual sections to be shared.