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

I thank the Chair and Members from all sides of the House who have contributed to the debate on the Estimates this evening. In the first instance, a number of Deputies noted they would have preferred to have had this discussion in committee, where there would have been a more detailed opportunity to discuss the various issues and I agree. I believe the Business Committee decided that the major Estimates be taken here on the floor of the Dáil and certain other Estimates in committees but I have no doubt that we will continue the conversation and discussion that has been started here tonight in the Select Committee on Justice and Equality. I look forward to constructive engagement with colleagues on the various issues that have been raised. There has been a wide-ranging debate and that reflects the broad areas for which the Department of Justice and Equality is responsible, quite a number of which have been touched on during the course of the debate this evening. In general, it would be correct to state that the increased funding for the justice sector has been welcomed by most speakers in the Chamber. As I indicated in my opening remarks, the Estimates will be put to good use across the broad range of areas in the eight individual Vote areas.

The reality, however, is that Members are having a discussion on these Estimates almost six months into the year to which they refer and therefore, spending is well under way across the sector within the various Votes and the spending is yielding results. A number of Deputies have reflected on this and in particular, I will mention Operation Thor as an example of the multi-strand national anti-crime and anti-burglary operation nationwide. Expenditure on Operation Thor has been reflected in the €31 million in Garda overtime spent in the year to date and in the allocation of more than €90 million for the rest of the year, which is intended to be sufficient to cover additional Garda overtime expenditure on a range of headings. Operation Thor has resulted in 24,000 crime prevention patrols, approximately 30,000 targeted checkpoints nationwide and detection of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling of stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences. The financial provision is just one part of the Government's approach to dealing with criminal activity.

In the short time available to me, I wish to address a number of points. Deputy O’Callaghan referred to a decrease in the Garda Estimate prior to the recent funding increase. That is incorrect; it already was ahead of the 2015 Revised Estimates Volume, REV, by €71 million when adjustments are made for a non-recurring additional payday cost of €26 million in 2015. I was asked for a breakdown in respect of the €55 million that has been announced and there is provision of €50 million for overtime, of €2.7 million for travel and subsistence and of €1.3 million for equipping the armed response unit. The gross budget for the courts is €110 million, less court fees of €46 million and the net Vote is €63 million. The Vote in respect of the Traveller groups does reflect the consolidated position on funding that previously was dealt with by other Departments. A number of Deputies have asked me about the savings within the justice group. The savings in question of €15 million represent approximately 0.6% of the entire Vote group allocation of €2.458 billion. While it is too early to pinpoint precisely the subheads from which this saving will come across the eight individual Votes, it is likely that the scope for such savings will be in the administration subheads, including payroll, where filling of vacancies does not arise as quickly as planned, due to the specialist nature of some posts in the Charities Regulatory Authority and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in particular, for example. Savings also will come from surplus receipts in the form of appropriations-in-aid. I reiterate there are no cutbacks in Garda spending. Expenditure across the entire Vote group will be monitored closely for the remainder of the year and the specific areas of underspending will become more apparent closer to the end of the year.

Quite a number of other issues were raised with regard to Garda resources. I already have made the point that I believe Garda resources must be allocated to areas of greatest need, that is, where there are increases in population or where there are crime trends of a particular type. My understanding is the allocations being made of Garda resources by the Garda Commissioner are indeed based on such criteria in respect of the new recruits who are coming out. There will be accelerated recruitment this year and as I stated, the Government has reopened Templemore and has started to invest once again in many of the areas about which Deputies spoke in the House tonight. Reinvestment in capital for the refurbishment of stations, including Clonmel, has been earmarked in the capital programme for investment in Garda stations, quite a number of which are being refurbished and extended. In addition, the Government will continue the investment in Garda vehicles. I will conclude on that point and will correspond individually with some Deputies who raised particular points I have not had an opportunity to discuss this evening.

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