Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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In respect of Garda numbers, I accept what Deputy Ó Laoghaire has said in so far as we are moving rapidly towards the year 2021 and the ambitious targets for Garda recruitment. I am quite satisfied that these numbers will continue to grow until we have the overall Garda force of 15,000 sworn members by 2021, ably assisted by 4,000 civilians and 2,000 reservists, bringing a total complement of 21,000. I note the point Deputy Ó Laoghaire makes about experience being drawn to specialist units. I acknowledge the important of the Garda reform and modernisation programme. As Minister, I will not interfere in this programme.

The Garda and the Policing Authority are best placed, in that they have the expertise to deal with the issue. I am pleased at the level of expertise involved in the specialist units to which the Deputy referred.

Of the current intake of 800 recruits annually, just over 200 attested over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. All of these fully attested probationary trainee gardaí are in the service of the State at stations throughout the country. In the context of those 800 recruits annually, we provide for 250 to 300 retirements, which leaves a net intake of over 500 gardaí. I do not intend to review that figure but I am anxious to ensure I am in a position to pledge resources to allow this state of affairs to continue in a way that was not the case during the years of difficult economic challenge. My aim for An Garda Síochána is to ensure visibility and availability. I meet regularly with the acting Garda Commissioner and senior gardaí to discuss these issues and it is my aim to ensure these Government targets are met.

I note the Deputy's interest in what he might describe as "core units" of An Garda Síochána. There is a period during which new recruits are probationers working for the most part in larger stations. They go through that period of 18 months prior to being stationed around the country. This is positive. As the committee is anxious to ensure its input, advice and guidance are appreciated fully, I am happy at all times to convey its concerns and priorities directly to An Garda Síochána itself or to bodies such as the Policing Authority.

In respect of IT services, I accept there have been shortcomings and that there is a need to ensure ICT at the best possible level is available to An Garda Síochána. Capital spending of €40 million is available in 2018 increasing to €60 million, €83 million and €63 million over the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. That is in accordance with the phasing of projects.

In summary, as we accommodate the new recruits in their stations and work, it is important to add to that manpower the necessary technological and other equipment and Garda fleet vehicles, all of which have seen increases this year and will see further considerable increases in the next three years.