1,000 additional Gardaí in 2023 will help build stronger, safer communities – Richmond

The provision in Budget 2023 for 1,000 new Gardaí will allow for more high visibility policing and help us continue to build stronger, safer communities, according to a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Neale Richmond said: “Recent events have served as a reminder of the importance of our Gardaí and the crucial role they play in communities across Ireland.

“In securing funding for 1,000 new Gardaí and over 400 new Garda staff in 2023, Fine Gael and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee have reaffirmed our commitment to building stronger safer safer communities across Ireland.

“More Gardaí in our ranks means more visible policing on the streets and in our communities – and more Garda staff means more Gardaí on the frontline rather than doing administrative work.

“This increased presence helps people feel safer, and indeed keeps them safer, especially during the darker winter months.

“High visibility policing works, and Minister McEntee is committed to ensuring that this is the case throughout Ireland.

“I was heartened to see the Community Safety Innovation Fund receive €3 million in funding for 2023.

“The Fund was introduced on the back of a Private Members’ Motion I submitted to the Dáil in 2021 and sees the proceeds of crime ringfenced and channelled back into communities to keep them safe.

“For our communities to be at their best, there must be involvement from community leaders and local people who know it best in planning for its future, and this fund allows for just this.

“Of course, keeping our communities safe does not stop at Gardaí; Budget 2023 also provides for the training and support of 400 additional members of our Defence Forces.

“With record defence funding of €1.2 billion our Defence Forces will be well equipped to enact the changes committed to following the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations including increased pay and allowances.

“Fine Gael is the party of law and order; indeed security is a key value of our party. Today’s Budget reaffirms our commitment to keeping our communities strong and safe now and into the future” Deputy Richmond concluded.