Written answers

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which policing practices here are in line with those applicable in other jurisdictions, with particular reference to the availability to the police of the relevant resources required at all levels, including foot and motorcycle patrols to facilitate community policing and the use of modern technology, intelligence and rapid response to challenge emerging criminal activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17609/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to ensuring a modern, effective and visible police presence throughout the country in order to provide reassurance to citizens and prevent crime. The Deputy will be aware that this commitment is underlined by very significant investments in Garda resources.

On June 9 2016 the Garda Commissioner launched a five year programme to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána, to ensure that it can meet present and future policing and security challenges. Important elements of the Garda plan include

- increased Garda visibility with crime prevention being the number one priority

- victims being placed at the heart of the Garda service

- introduction of advanced IT systems introduced to enhance the investigation of crime

- enhanced collaboration with national and international partners to tackle and disrupt terrorism and organised crime

The Garda modernisation plan was developed with the benefit of inputs from Garda personnel and community stakeholders, as well as the experience of police forces in other jurisdictions. The measures in the plan also respond to reports and recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Implementation of the Garda modernisation programme is strongly supported by the range of investments in policing resources which have been put in place. These investments will facilitate high visibility policing with the provision of high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles. Provision under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 includes €46 million for new Garda vehicles, ensuring that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. This is in addition to the €34 million that has been invested in the fleet since 2012 with over 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015.

In addition, some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.

The Deputy will also be aware of the recent additional investment of €55 million in policing resources in 2016 which will make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor, as well as tackling those involved in the recent incidents of violent gang-related crime.

All Garda activities will also undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the Garda recruitment programme, and in particular the Government's commitment to increase Garda numbers to 15,000. We are working on measures to accelerate this programme so as to ensure that the Commissioner has the capacity to address the needs of communities throughout the country and into the future.

Taken together, these investments represent a step-change in the overall provision for An Garda Síochána and demonstrate the Government's commitment to investing in 21st Century policing so that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

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