Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Select Committee on Justice and Equality

Estimates for Public Services 2021
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Revised)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Revised)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Revised)
Vote 24 - Justice (Revised)
Vote 41 - Policing Authority (Revised)
Vote 44 - Data Protection Commission (Revised)

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In general I welcome the increased funding for the Policing Authority, probation and domestic violence. I have one concern in that there is no increase for youth services.

While I welcome the 746 extra front-line gardaí, town centres and city centres are quieter and larger groups have been more visible. This leaves people feeling more threatened. I welcome the increased funding. I hope an increased presence of gardaí on the front line can be seen as visibility is important.

I have a question on subhead A7. Am I reading it right? It seems there has been a large increase in Garda compensation in the past three or four years. Is there any particular reason for that?

I have a question on the ICT budget. The Minister mentioned additional mobile devices. I know most Garda vehicles already have all the facilities to detect and scan registration plates and identify forged driving licences, untaxed cars and stolen vehicles. What are the extra mobile devices? Is it for vehicles or is it more to do with maintenance? Who has the contract that relates to maintenance costs for the extra information technology?

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