David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister assures the Senator that Garda management and the Commissioner keep the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities and that the needs of all divisions, including the Limerick division, are taken into consideration in the allocation of Garda resources. He is pleased to say that budget 2018 will support the continuation of the high level of investment in the Garda workforce of recent years and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. In addition, the Government’s plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is complemented by substantial increases in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. Some €330 million, including €205 million under the capital plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate’s report on crime investigation. The capital plan 2016 to 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million in the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2033 to 2015. In the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on-stream. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and the Minister expects that the Limerick division, like all other Garda divisions, will benefit from these new resources becoming available. I will certainly bring the Senator's concerns back to the Minister. I note what the Senator said and that she has a passion and deep concern for this area. I will certainly make the Minister aware of the matter.