Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Select Committee on Justice and Equality

Estimates for Public Services 2019
Vote 20 - An Garda Síochána (Further Revised)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Further Revised)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Further Revised)
Vote 24 - Justice and Equality (Further Revised)
Vote 25 - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Further Revised)
Vote 41 - Policing Authority (Further Revised)

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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If I recall correctly, there is a reduction of €3.5 million in Garda overtime. There were overtime bans last year and the year before. In 2017 it was in December only but it was for much longer last year. While I understand that a huge amount is being spent on Garda overtime, it is usually a decision taken by chief superintendents and superintendents based on the resources available and the pressures on them to get units out there when they are needed. It has been overspent substantially over the last two years but now it is not even the case that the budget is the same. There is actually €3.5 million less available for that. That is extremely challenging. I am concerned that it might have significant impact on the capacity of the Garda to deliver the service.