Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Recruitment has been increased and proper provisions have been made in Templemore for this. Class sizes vary between 275 and 300 to bring us up to the 14,000 as promised. This will be delivered by the Government.

The Garda Síochána Vote this year increased by 13%, at a time of 3% inflation or less. That is a significant increase in resources. This was on top of an increase last year and the previous year. These increases are unprecedented. On Garda equipment, the force is about to get the digital radio equipment that has long been spoken about. I will deliver that and roll-out of the equipment will start this year. With regard to other equipment such as cars, helicopters and the like, the Garda Síochána has never had as much resources as it now has. This year a sum of €82 million or €83 million has been provided for overtime, a significant increase on anything available previously.

This year's budget for the Garda Síochána is €1.29 billion, a 13% increase this year. The money spent on increasing numbers and providing for equipment, Garda stations and international liaison centres etc. has never been higher. I now want to put in place the Criminal Justice Bill which will give gardaí requisite powers in a number of areas. I look forward to the co-operation of Members in seeing that legislation through.

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