Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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10. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the provision of the new divisional headquarters for An Garda Síochána in Galway city; the construction timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13313/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on accommodation priorities established by the Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Funding for such works is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

In July 2012, the Government announced an economic stimulus package which included three major Garda construction projects, namely, the development of new divisional headquarter stations to replace the existing headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Kevin Street in Dublin. Initially, these projects were to be financed by way of public private partnership. However, the Office of Public Works was subsequently requested to develop the new facilities by way of a traditional procurement process.

Included in budget 2015 is a capital allocation of €42 million to enable the commencement of work on these three new Garda divisional headquarters. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the procurement process for the construction of the new Garda divisional headquarters in Galway is significantly advanced, with work expected to commence in the coming months.

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister’s reply and this week’s announcement of additional recruitment to An Garda Síochána. I am confident that Galway will get its fair share of them. Will the Minister confirm that the Garda Commissioner will take cognisance of the Gaeltacht areas in Galway and ensure sufficient Garda numbers proficient in the Irish language as required under the various language Acts?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I will raise that issue with the Garda Commissioner. Clearly, these are operational decisions. The fact, however, that there are 550 recruits going through Templemore training college will help in this matter, ensuring local community policing, including in Gaeltacht areas, which is necessary and essential for a proper policing service to protect the community and interrupt crime.