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

We had a discussion on the points the Deputy made. We need to make sure that An Garda Síochána is resourced in a way that enables it to conduct effective policing in line with the best policing methods. As the Deputy said, that includes more resources. In his question the Deputy has described what he thinks is needed.

There needs to be better use of mobile technology. We have put funding in place in order to make sure that happens. Over €205 million was agreed as a result of the working group. Significant resources have been made available. The Garda Commissioner is the person, in accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act, responsible for that.

The Deputy mentioned policing developments in other jurisdictions, including benefits arising from increased use of the type of vehicles he described. Similar developments here have become possible because of the tens of millions of euro we have invested over the past two or three years. The money was badly needed because investment in An Garda Síochána could not resume until the economy began to recover.

I assure the Deputy that we intend to ensure that we provide resources to the Garda so we can continue investment in the fleet, not just for traditional vehicles but also those that are suitable for the kind of work they are now doing throughout the country, including on motorways.

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