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

In respect of the issue the Deputy highlighted regarding his colleague Deputy Kenny's meeting later today, I am obviously not going to get involved in any individual investigations that may be initiated by An Garda Síochána. With regard to the other items the Deputy highlighted, I cannot shy away from the fact that there have been examples of unwise expenditure in the past. I have emphasised to the Commissioner and will emphasise again here publicly that, when Accounting Officers are spending public money, they have to ensure that it is spent carefully on behalf of the people of the country. It is essential that we do not have a situation whereby money, a valuable resource, is provided from the budget to an Accounting Officer who does not spend it carefully and cautiously. The current Commissioner is very aware of the fact that any moneys he receives via Vote of the Oireachtas have to be spent very carefully and cautiously. However, we do need to provide resources to An Garda Síochána to improve technology. The Deputy has identified some instances where he says money has been wasted but there has also been expenditure on items that have been very beneficial to the Garda and to the public at large.

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