Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure they will intervene positively. The Garda Commissioner and his team are willing to meet joint policing committees across the country to further discuss the issues raised by Deputy Durkan, all of which are important, and address any other questions about the implementation. It is important to note that these changes are being introduced and this is the nub of the Deputy's question when he speaks about ensuring the availability of, and need to ensure, ongoing resources. Current investment in An Garda Síochána is €1.76 billion as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year. Capital investment in ICT will amount to €342 million between 2016 and 2021. A wide range of ICT projects are being pursued. Deputy Durkan may be particularly interested to note that a new computer aided dispatch programme is one of these projects and will provide a modern integrated system for Garda command and control. Investment of €46 million is also being made in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021 to enable gardaí to be mobile and responsive in line with operational demand. As we come towards the end of the year, I advise the Deputy that, by the end of the year, 300 new Garda vehicles will have been deployed on our roads and in our communities this year. I am confident that this ongoing investment in Garda resources, together with the ongoing reform process, will result in improved policing services in Kildare and beyond for all communities.

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