Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

514. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide extra funding for additional specialist equipment and personnel for the Garda Síochána Computer Crime Unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1496/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources. This includes personnel, Garda vehicles and the various technologies utilised to support front-line Gardaí and intelligence-led operations against organised crime. This process takes account of policing priorities determined by me in consultation with the Garda Commissioner. With the establishment of the Policing Authority on 1 January future priorities will of course be determined by that body in consultation with the Commissioner and with the consent of the Minister in accordance with section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended.

I can assure the Deputy that the Garda authorities are continually looking to ensure that the latest information, communications and forensic technologies are sourced and deployed to achieve their strategic objectives as set out in the context of their annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the 2005 Act. This policy is designed to ensure that the Garda Síochána will be properly resourced to meet the evolving needs of a modern effective police force and take advantage of proven up to date technological developments in crime detection and prevention as they occur.

I am informed by the Commissioner that Garda personnel and resources assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed and is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual division dictates. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.