Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 53: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to review the number of Garda personnel assigned to duties as Garda protection officers, having regard to the fact that there are 55 personnel allocated to these duties at an annual cost of €6 million and having regard to cutbacks in other public services; if the 3% payroll cut will apply to the Garda protection unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46754/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Garda personnel assigned to the Garda Protection Unit is determined by operational rather than financial considerations. The 3% payroll reduction in 2009 covers all Garda payroll expenditure including salaries and overtime. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of resources including the allocation of personnel to the Garda Protection Unit as and when they are required.