2178. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of sanctioned Garda posts; filled Garda posts; vacancies in each Garda division as of the latest available date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60285/26]

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 recruitment and training of, and distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State. As Minister, it is my role to support the Commissioner in ensuring he has the funding he needs for vital policing work, and this Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs. Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing.

I am informed by Garda Authorities that there is no 'sanctioned strength' for Garda Divisions. However I am assured by the Commissioner that when allocating Garda resources, consideration is 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

• Local population and trends, geographical area and size

• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.

Information on Garda strengths nationally are publicly available on the Garda website, and regularly updated by An Garda Síochána, at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/.