306. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if engagement has occurred between his Department and the Garda Commissioner in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022, in particular the need for increased Garda resources resulting from the extension to the hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18652/23] 

Simon Harris, Minister for Justice: An Garda Síochána was fully consulted as this general scheme was developed.

 I can also assure the Deputy that the Department of Justice continues to engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill to ensure that it contains a full suite of enforcement powers and resources to meet their policing needs. 

As the Deputy may be aware , the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions regarding the draft legislation, the first on 24 January 2023 and the second on January 31 2023. 

Academics, sectoral groups and representative organisations were invited to contribute to these sessions. Representatives from Alcohol Action Ireland, the Institute of Public Health and the Irish Community Action of Alcohol Network took part in the second of the pre-legislative scrutiny sessions. The Committee published their report on 2 March 2023. 

Officials in the Department of Justice continue to engage with various public and voluntary health bodies. 

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. 

I am however assured by the Garda authorities that the distribution of Garda resources is kept under constant review, in light of policing priorities and emerging crime trends. 

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, which is reflected in an allocation of over €2.14 billion under Budget 2023. This funding will support the recruitment of up to 1,000 Garda members and 400 Garda staff. 

Coupled with further reassignments of Gardaí to operational front-line policing and the continued roll out of the new Operating Model with its core focus on community policing, I am confident that the Commissioner has suitable resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.