Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned to ensure that any potential misunderstanding of this issue is firmly avoided. Management of Garda overtime is not a matter for which I have responsibility as Minister.

Budgetary provision for An Garda Síochána is more than €1.6 billion, including an allocation of almost €100 million for overtime. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands. I am informed by the Garda authorities in response to the projected overspend for this year that the Commissioner has directed a number of measures to manage the resources of An Garda Síochána effectively. I want to ensure that the measures are such that front-line policing services that have required resources for the remainder of the year are intact. I have been informed that all essential policing operations such as Operation Thor will continue as before.

I do not accept that there is a ban on overtime. I do not consider the actions of the Garda Commissioner as a ban on overtime. Overtime cannot be taken in isolation from the other resources available to An Garda Síochána. There has been significant capital investment in Garda ICT and in the Garda fleet. We are making real progress in increasing the numbers to achieve the targets for the next three years. Under the governance and oversight arrangements in place between my Department and An Garda Síochána, there is regular structural engagement between An Garda Síochána and all relevant parties relating to resources, including overtime, as appropriate. It is for the Garda management to manage effectively and efficiently the significant resources being made available to them in accordance with operational need. The Commissioner has my full support and that of the Government.

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