Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman is quite right when he says that a sum of €25 million is available. I want to see all of that money spent because I believe there is sufficient demand throughout the country for that and more. It would be a disappointment if some of these funds remained unspent. There is a capital programme for Garda stations which is providing for new stations in Wexford, a headquarters in Galway, and the state-of-the-art premises within a stone's throw of these buildings in Kevin Street. These modern Garda headquarters have the type of facilities the Chairman referred to, all of which are necessary in the circumstances. I am very keen to see the roll-out of the next phase of the public private partnership, PPP, project within the next few weeks. This will involve capital expenditure on new Garda headquarters in Clonmel, in Macroom in north-west Cork, and in Sligo. It is important that designs under our Garda building programme accommodate suites for people in difficult and vulnerable situations. Such people visit Garda stations every day. I want to see all that money and more spent.

As far as ICT is concerned, the ICT strategy is very important. Included in it will be a complete revamp of the PULSE system. We want to ensure that the user interface and the architecture of that system is fit for purpose and can support the future needs of a modern organisation. The ICT strategy for An Garda Síochána is very important in that regard. This meets the concern to which the Deputy has referred. As I said at the outset, in excess of €300 million is available under the capital programme. This will transform Garda ICT infrastructure during the course of that plan. I want to see that strategy being developed and published so that we will know precisely what the emphasis will be on in terms of ensuring a modern and fully equipped Garda Síochána.