Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Government has provided unprecedented resources to help achieve this. In terms of what this means, Deputy Kenny will be aware that during the lifetime of the previous Government an extra 4,000 gardaí were recruited to bring Garda strength to 16,000. Garda strength is at 14,000 now. The current budget is €1.44 billion compared to €0.9 billion five years ago. Garda over-time this year amounted to €140 million compared to €66 million just a few years ago. Last year, €24.7 million was expended on the purchase of almost 1,400 vehicles for the Force. This is continuing. The new digital radio system will be implemented during the next two years, a priority for the Garda Síochána.

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