Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the reduction of up to 10 million euro in the overtime budget for the Gardaí the impact that this will have on the current fight against crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3588/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, it has been necessary to reduce expenditure across the public sector due to the very difficult economic situation. That being said, I can also assure the Deputy that the 2013 Garda financial allocation, which in gross terms amounts to over Euro 1.4 billion, will be spent in the most effective way with the emphasis on the delivery of front-line services.

In that general context I can confirm for the Deputy that the Garda overtime budget is Euro 43.9 million. On any analysis this is a substantial sum of money and it also represents an increase of approximately 3.5% on the actual expenditure on Garda overtime in 2012, which came to Euro 42.4 million. In addition, separate provision has been made in the Garda Vote in 2013 for certain Garda overtime costs that will arise in connection with the current Irish EU Presidency.

With regard to the fight against crime, the most recent crime statistics published by the Central Statistics Office for the third quarter of 2012 show a welcome reduction in 12 of the 14 crime groups for which figures are given, compared with the previous 12 months. The figures reflect how the Gardaí are making an impact on crime and the Commissioner has indicated that the Force will maintain its focus on criminal activities.

Overall, I believe that the primary Garda objective of combating crime will be continue to be achieved, and that, despite the pressure on the public finances, it will be possible for the Force to operate to the optimum benefit of our communities in a manner that will facilitate the prevention and detection of offences.