Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 837: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of Operation Anvil, he will confirm that there will be no restrictions on Garda overtime in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11345/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the Garda authorities that funding has been ring-fenced from the Garda Budget for 2008 to ensure that Garda activities under Operation Anvil, which is augmented by other operations and initiatives both locally and nationally, will continue within all units and sections of An Garda Síochána.

Operation Anvil commenced in May 2005 in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and was extended countrywide in 2006. The primary focus of Operation 'Anvil' is the disruption of serious and organised criminal activity. In this regard Operation Anvil consists of intelligence-led targeted operations on the one hand and an increased overt visible Garda presence on the other. The Garda Commissioner has already publicly re-affirmed his absolute commitment to the objectives of Operation 'Anvil', which is but one tool used by members of An Garda Síochána in the fight to combat crime. The total Garda budget for 2008 stands at a record €1.6 billion, underpinning the Government's commitment to provide the Garda Síochána with the necessary resources it requires to carry out its functions.