Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Fine Gael are at it day-in day-out. It continues to criticise the Government for reducing this and that but does not come up with suggestions in terms of what should be cut. I decided when I took up this portfolio that I would have to cut in some areas in order to prioritise crime and that is what I have done. Investment in respect of garda numbers, CAB and addressing gangland crime has increased to the detriment of investment in other areas. I must do more with less. That is the reality in terms of the financial circumstances in which we find ourselves. If we are taking in only €32 billion and are spending €55 billion, we must close this gap. We must also ensure we spend smarter the €32 billion we are taking in and concentrate on priorities. I have decided to prioritise the fight against crime, which requires more investment in the Garda Síochána.

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