43. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently on suspension from duty; if she will provide a breakdown of the times these members have been suspended for to date; the reason for suspension, in tabular form; if possible, her views on whether it is taking too long in some cases for suspension cases to be dealt with conclusively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35833/22]

Written answers (Question to Justice), Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

However, I have sought the requested information from the Garda authorities and have provided with the total number of Gardaí currently suspended from duty, along with the number of suspensions per year and the reasons for suspension, in tabular format.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that disciplinary procedure leading to suspension is a serious matter. Every effort is made to bring disciplinary enquiries to a conclusion in the shortest timeframe. However, the complexities of some cases and legal proceedings may lead to delays in concluding the matter.