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

Next week we will discuss the 2016 justice Estimates in the House. I was clear with Cabinet and, indeed, with the House about the priorities that I have in respect of the need to support the work An Garda Síochána is doing at present, particularly in tackling gangland crime, but the programme of Government outlines clearly our priorities. There is no intention to do other than what the Deputy has described on the part of Ministers and the Government. I will be in a position in respect of my Department to outline key priorities but, of course, that process will take a number of months. However, with regard to the initial discussions, I am sure Ministers will appear before committees shortly. The budgetary committee is working out the exact processes and how it is intended for those discussions to proceed. We will get guidelines from that committee and I have no doubt everybody will engage in a proactive way around that.

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