Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to clarify the reason for the reduction in the allocation of the Garda Ombudsman Commission for 2008. The 2007 allocation for the ombudsman commission included significant funding relating to the initial set-up of the office, particularly for the leasing and fit-out of its new premises in Abbey Street, Dublin. As these were once-off costs, the 2008 allocation has been adjusted accordingly.

I am satisfied that the 2008 allocation will ensure the office has the resources to carry out its functions and that there will be no reduction in service. The commission is still in the process of recruiting its full staff complement and is recruiting additional investigative staff. There will therefore be more operational staff available during 2008 than there was in 2007.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the ombudsman commission took over several complaints from the Garda Complaints Board. However, the board must process to completion any complaint in respect of which it had commenced an investigation. Accordingly, it must continue to operate until all such investigations have been completed. The increase of 7.5%, or €130,000, in the budget for the complaints board is in the main due to pay increases and other costs in respect of the board's staff in 2008.

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