Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are three issues. The Deputy initially asked a question about the need for such a Supplementary Estimate on an annual basis. I am keen to obviate the need for one towards year end and will work towards ensuring that these issues can be addressed during the year through the original moneys allocated. This is an issue particularly for Garda overtime which I have discussed, at an early stage, with the new Garda Commissioner, regarding the financial position of An Garda Síochána. We agreed it is essential that value for money be achieved within the resources available and I acknowledge what the Garda Commissioner himself has said to this committee in that regard.

Overtime is an issue. In 2013, provision for overtime was €50 million; in 2014, it increased to €56 million; in 2016, it was €91 million; and it has exceeded €100 million this year. We are anxious to ensure that value for money is attained. There is a continuing recruitment campaign, which will result in a net intake of new gardaí of the order of 500 per annum, with approximately 300 retirements. That will result in a scenario where the overtime requirement should not be as marked. However, arrangements for Garda overtime is not an issue for which I, as Minister, have direct responsibility.

A sum of €3 million has been moved to ICT in the Supplementary Estimate. We have €60 million allocated to ICT for 2019.

That should allow for the increased investment, which will help ensure the implementation of the various projects under way. For example, we expect a phased implementation of the mobility project, aiming to secure mobile access to Garda systems. There is also the roll-out on a pilot basis of the investigations management system, which will standardise, digitise and further support the management of all investigations arising from a PULSE incident.