Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My intention is to get as much funding and resources as possible for An Garda Síochána in this year's budget. The €2 billion in last year's budget was the largest budget we have ever had, building on significant increases in previous years. An element of that will go towards pay and other areas of current spending. It is important that we invest not just in the physical infrastructure of cars and equipment but in other areas like body-worn cameras. Deputy Richmond has been pushing for and supports the introduction of legislation in that regard. We gave a commitment as part of the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy, announced last week, that €12 million would be allocated for the roll-out of body-worn cameras. That is to help gardaí in their work fighting crime but also to make sure they are protected and kept safe. There will be a particular focus on capital spend, which is a once-off spend. There will be a specific budget for that this year and into next year but we will also be looking at ways to spend that on an annual basis and building on that. The roll-out of the new Garda uniforms will be very welcome. This is the third time in the history of the Garda there has been a change in uniform and it will show the new vibrant policing system.

The issue of the roster has been brought to my attention. I fully understand and appreciate how well the system has worked for many members. This is something the Garda Commissioner is working through with the various groups. I have every confidence that this will be resolved with those he is in final engagement with at the moment.

The Commissioner is also working on a new plan to increase and support the Garda Reserve. That will require a budget so that is something we will look at in the upcoming budget as well. I hope he will be able to publish the plan soon.

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