1164. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Irene; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35283/24]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities Operation Irene is implemented every year throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region from 1 June to 31 August.

This is a multi-agency operation with the key objective to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour, combat underage alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol to enhance community safety and confidence.

An Garda Síochána work in conjunction with the various councils across Dublin and other stakeholders including the transport authorities, local resident associations and local businesses to identify key areas where people congregate during the summer months. These areas are policed by both high visibility patrols and plain closes Gardaí to ensure the public’s safety and peaceful enjoyment of local amenities.

As the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána does not hold and cannot provide a return for convictions. Queries regarding convictions data should be directed toward the Courts Service, who are responsible for providing such information. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie

The Garda authorities have also advised me that specific details in relation to this operation are not disclosed publicly for operational reasons.

The Garda Commissioner has assured the Minister that there will continue to be a high-visibility policing presence in the DMR. He has the resources to do so under Budget 2024, with an overtime budget to use as required and a stream of new Gardaí entering the organisation from the recruitment competitions carried out over the last three years.

Last year, the Minister for Justice provided additional overtime in Dublin and it is important to note that the overall Garda overtime budget for 2024 is a substantial increase on last year.

It may interest the Deputy to note that, as of the end of June 2024, there were 3,682 Garda members assigned to the Garda Divisions across Dublin. This represents a 5.5% increase on the number assigned to Dublin in 2015 when there were 3,491.