Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy would acknowledge that the resumption of recruitment and the increased numbers in An Garda Síochána predated the confidence and supply agreement and was part of the work of the last Government, which took on board that the Garda was deprived of the resources that are needed to provide an effective police force across the country. While there are historic reasons for that, the last Government and this one did a lot in this regard, which needs to be acknowledged, aside from the supply and confidence agreement.

The Minister wishes to inform the Deputy and the House that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, and that the needs of all divisions, including Meath, are taken into consideration in the allocation of Garda resources. In budget 2018 the Government will support the continuation of the high level of investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track.

In addition, the Government's plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is complemented by substantial investment in resources across An Garda Síochána, and I am sure all Members will welcome that the civilianisation effort is also increasing within the force. Some €300 million, including €205 million under the capital plan, is being invested in ICT infrastructure over the period 2016-2021. This will allow gardaí to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda inspectorate's report on crime investigation. The capital plan 2016-2021 provides for an investment of €46 million in the Garda fleet in order to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013-2015, which was covered by the last Government. In the period from 2013 to end of 2017, almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet, with 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period. I believe every Member of the House will acknowledge that was a huge issue in every Garda district across the country. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and the Minister expects that the Meath division, like other Garda divisions, will benefit from the new resources becoming available.

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