Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have regular discussions with the Garda Commissioner, including discussions on Garda resources. It goes without saying that no Minister would choose the appalling financial position in which I have had to operate. In that context, the legacy the previous Fianna Fáil-led Government bequeathed to me was a series of expenditure ceilings for the justice sector which, if applied, would have resulted in devastating cuts in Garda services which I, as Minister, would not and could not stand over.

The Fianna Fáil national recovery plan of November 2010 was unacceptable and would certainly have put the Garda Commissioner in an impossible position. Fortunately, I was able to secure additional funding over the three year period, from 2012 to 2014, to ensure the Garda Commissioner and Garda Síochána could continue to deliver an effective policing service. Specifically, I secured €2.243 billion for the justice sector for 2012, which was €118 million more than had been allocated by Fianna Fáil. For 2013, I secured funding of €2.2 billion, which was €191 million more than the Fianna Fáil allocation. For 2014, I secured €2.065 billion, which was €105 million more than the original Fianna Fáil allocation. Overall, had I not obtained this additional finance, the Garda would have stood to lose an average of €90 million each year under the Fianna Fáil plan for the years 2012 to 2014.

In 2013, the Garda financial allocation, which in gross terms amounts to more than €1.4 billion, is a substantial amount. I assure the Deputy and House that this allocation will be spent in the most effective way with the emphasis on the delivery of front-line services. In that general context, a budget of €5 million has been made available in 2013 for the purchase of additional Garda vehicles. The modernisation of the Garda fleet is a crucial part of supporting policing operations throughout the State.

Garda numbers have been reducing owing to the moratorium on recruitment introduced by the previous Government and the current strength is just under 13,400. My objective, despite the enormous financial issues facing the Government, is to ensure Garda numbers will not fall below 13,000 and I will bring relevant proposals to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

I am determined, as Minister for Justice and Equality, that the resources of the Garda Síochána will be used in the best, most effective and most efficient way possible. Overall, the primary Garda objective of combating crime will continue to be achieved. Despite the pressure on the public finances, it will be possible for the force to operate to the optimum benefit of our communities in a manner that will facilitate the prevention and detection of offences.

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