Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Whatever about having no direct input into the distribution of Garda numbers or operational matters which are wholly under the jurisdiction and domain of the Garda Commissioner and Garda management, I have responsibility for the provision of accurate information for Deputies. Having regard to the Deputy's comments, I will, immediately following this debate, ensure the issues he has raised are fully checked out, with a view towards accurate verification. I assure him that, with regard to the Government's plan for an increase in Garda numbers and having regard to the fact that the Garda College in Templemore was closed during the years of the great recession, with the economic recovery having taken hold, we are now in a position to ensure a progressive stream of new Garda recruits. Ambitious, energetic gardaí are taking up positions in Garda stations across the country. I look forward, on Friday next, to the attestation and graduation of a further 200 gardaí, all of whom will, I expect, be assigned to Garda stations before 1 January 2018. I assure the Deputy that the Longford-Roscommon area which includes Edgeworthstown will have a certain focus in that regard.

I note that €330 million, including €205 million under the capital plan, is being invested in Garda information and communications technology infrastructure in the period from 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technology across the country.

In terms of the Garda fleet, the Deputy will be aware that new vehicles were recently provided in the midlands. In the period from 2013 until the end of this year, almost €44 million will have been invested in the Garda fleet, with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period. This investment will facilitate the provision of a more effective policing service. I expect County Longford and the Roscommon-Longford division, like all Garda divisions, to benefit from these new resources becoming available. I will revert to the Deputy on the specific issue he raises concerning the verification of the figures supplied.

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