Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Kelly. I will come to the issue he focused on, which was financial concerns within An Garda Síochána, but his general question was about the reforms I am going to encourage the new Commissioner to operate or continue with. I have had many engagements with him. One of the priorities I have emphasised to him, which is a priority of my own and of Government, is that I want to see greater Garda visibility. That means having more members recruited into the force and ensuring that, when people are recruited as members of An Garda Síochána, they are out in our community and that people get to see them. It is absolutely essential for safety and the perception of safety that there is widespread Garda visibility in our towns and cities. I have also emphasised that an area of reform I want to see is the greater use of technology by An Garda Síochána. I have secured considerable funding in the budget and in the national development plan to ensure that each member of An Garda Síochána will have access to body cameras. I want to see these rolled out rapidly next year.

The Deputy focused on issues relating to Garda resources and what the Comptroller and Auditor General has correctly presented as a misuse of financial resources by An Garda Síochána. He highlighted how accommodation for the UEFA Europa League final last year was purchased at an excessive cost and that many of the rooms that were acquired at a total cost of up to €250,000 were not used. I have spoken to the Commissioner in respect of this matter. It is absolutely essential that, when significant resources are provided to An Garda Síochána, those resources are used carefully. Money used to acquire resources is precious and we need to ensure the money we provide to An Garda Síochána is used for the purpose of protecting the public and keeping them safe. I was very disappointed at what I saw in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report but I am pleased that the Commissioner and An Garda Síochána have accepted all of the recommendations contained within it. I do not believe we will see such a waste of money again.

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