Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends that the 3% reduction in payroll costs will apply to An Garda Síochána; if an assessment has been carried out of the expected impact of such a cut on Garda levels and policing arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32834/08]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that front-line Garda activity will not be subjected to budgetary cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32783/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 57 together.

The estimates process for 2009 is ongoing and discussions are taking place between my Department and the Department of Finance on the overall Justice sector allocations including those for the Garda Síochána. Accordingly, it would be premature to comment at this stage in relation to the impacts for 2009 until the final position is known. I am, however, advised by the Garda authorities that priority will continue to be placed on front-line operational policing in 2009.