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)
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I have three brief questions. The first concerns the Garda Reserve, and the Estimate for that is on page 10 of the document the Minister produced for the committee. He will note that the Estimate for 2019 is €1.3 million while that for last year was €250,000, of which only €165,000 was used. Why did the Garda not spend the money allocated to it for the Garda Reserve? I welcome the increase in the Estimate for the Garda Reserve this year but how can the Minister be satisfied that money is actually going to be used unlike in previous years?
My second question concerns civilianisation. I welcome the concept but the Minister will be aware there is concern that civilians are being given the role of crime scene investigator. Is the Minister satisfied the public is getting value for money in respect of that practice? Is he concerned that the expertise gardaí have in crime scene investigation should be availed of and maintained? My third question is in respect of a statement made ten days ago by a Minister of State regarding a conspiracy within An Garda Síochána to damage Members of the Government. The Minister might recall the statement. It would give rise to a significant damages claim against the State, if it was true. I note the Minister of State concerned subsequently withdrew his allegation. Will the Minister assure this committee that there is no substance to that extraordinary allegation?