Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The management of the Garda overtime budget is a priority of Commissioner Harris. Since he has taken office, the overtime budget has been reduced by more than €11 million. This year it is running to a figure of the order of €100 million. This is a sensitive issue. It often surprises me, and sometimes disappoints me, to see so much of the debate on Garda issues focusing on overtime. I support the Commissioner in the management of overtime. This issue has engaged this committee and my Department.

In the context of the recruitment of gardaí, if there is a net intake of 400 or 500 gardaí each year, allowing for the retirements of 250 to 300 gardaí of retirement age, the overtime budget will not need to be as high. We now have thousands of additional gardaí engaged in full-time duties up and down the country. The Garda Commissioner is keen to manage the overtime budget over the coming years in a way that will not impact upon the work of An Garda Síochána in ensuring that communities are protected and safe.