Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I made comments regarding this in reply to an earlier question.

The Programme for a Partnership Government prioritises a significant programme of investment in An Garda Síochána. I will not repeat all that I stated already but I will highlight again the recruitment and investment in resources, for instance, in ICT, that is now possible. At the end of last year, funding was made available, for example, to improve the PULSE so that it is more effective in terms of the management of criminal investigations, and a number of other initiatives were also taken in that area.

The 2016 budget for An Garda Síochána saw an increase to €1.6 billion. That involved €67 million in additional funding. As I stated earlier, we also moved decisively with increased funding to deal directly with gang-related crime, particularly in the Dublin area, and for the dedicated armed support unit as well. That involves concentrated policing measures in the area. A considerable effort is being made by the Garda to target and do the kind of work necessary to interrupt the cycle of violence that we have seen.

I mentioned the investment in the capital plan.

There is also the airborne surveillance, and money has been made available to ensure we have technical support for the helicopter so it can be used at night. All these initiatives, with the determination of the men and women of the Garda Síochána who are out patrolling the streets will, I hope, end this dreadful cycle. Although last year the gangland crime and murder figures decreased very considerably, we have had a new cycle with six murders by gangs which are intent on revenge. Every resource that is needed by the Garda Síochána will be made available to deal effectively with this gangland crime.

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