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

I am happy to come back after Private Members' business.

The first question was on the timeline of the plan. It would normally be for three to five years. It is clearly stated at the beginning of the section that that is to be specified by the Minister. It is a three-to-five year plan, because we align it with the national development plan. It is to ensure we have a multi-annual plan that can change. There may be delays, so there is always a level of flexibility within the overall plan, be that on a yearly or a multi-annual basis.

Regarding who decides, I think the Commissioner, who is the head of the organisation, is best placed to decide what is needed in a capital plan. It has to be approved by the board and the Minister. It is important that the Commissioner is given that level of discretion. The Minister may direct, for example if we are in the midst of a recession and there is a need to cut the funding overall, the Commissioner to change or amend the capital plans. This is to allow for any type of situation that might arise. Again, I will say very clearly that the Commissioner is best placed to know where the resources are needed and where investment is needed in terms of refurbishment, new stations, garda cars, vehicles and any other type of IT or equipment the Commissioner deems necessary for the overall functioning of An Garda Síochána.