Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

There was €36 million excess expenditure incurred within the Garda Vote because it was not anticipated that either visit would take place. During the course of the year the Garda has effected efficiencies in the manner in which it has delivered its services. The Garda has fully maintained all necessary front line services and has been particularly effective. The additional sum of €27.4 million that has been allocated was discussed earlier today. Approximately €15 million of that is directly in respect of the visits and the remaining sums were not required by the Garda because of the efficiencies that have been effected during the year. It is not my purpose as Minister to provide the Garda with funding it does not require. The funding it requires is being provided and front line services have been fully and properly maintained. Efficiencies have been effected, which is in the interests of the taxpayers and of the Garda fulfilling its obligations to use resources in the most efficient and effective way.

As I said at the meeting of the justice committee, I pay tribute to the Garda Commissioner, the officers and all the members of the force for the manner in which they have dealt with a range of issues this year in a cost-effective way. That is the way to proceed into the future.

See this speech in context