Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The ethos I have tried to bring in in the past four years is that when there is a pressure point, it is not always about a need for more resources but for proper analysis of how we deploy the resources we have available. The Deputy mentioned An Garda Síochána. The Garda Inspectorate has conducted a comprehensive review which has showed up some shocking things and major reform of An Garda Síochána is under way because of it. One of the issues is the haphazard way in which gardaí are deployed. There is no scientific policing mechanism. It is as if as we have always done this way, it is the way we will do it. It is the same in the case of Garda vehicles. There is no structured way for how they are deployed. Part of the objective of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is not only to control expenditure but also to provide for rational expenditure to most effect and the greatest benefit of the citizen. The reform element in all public expenditure - I know that the Deputy will agree - will continue to be an important feature.

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