Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in regular contact with GSOC. I have regular meetings with it and keep its budget under review. When it was asked to do extra work on penalty points there were budgetary implications in terms of recruiting extra staff and that is why we gave the increase. Let me go into detail with the Deputy. A sum of €1 million has been allowed for in this Estimate. I said I would keep the budget under review, as one has to. If it comes to my attention that GSOC needs more funding I will be open to discussing the matter with it. GSOC's current staffing level is 76 and there are nine vacancies. The overall payroll cost for 2015 is estimated to be €5.45 million which includes provision for three commissioners and two seconded Garda superintendents. We are giving GSOC increased powers and I will keep funding under review. The €1 million allocation was specifically provided to deal with its work on penalty points work and the recruitment of new staff.