Written answers

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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131. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has satisfied herself that the Garda information technology forensics unit is adequately resourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41486/16]

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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132. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will sanction further funding to expand the Garda information technology forensics unit in view of the fact there is a backlog of up to four years in dealing with Garda forensic analysis of computer hard drives and other electronic storage devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41487/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

As the deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for distribution of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, on foot of a review of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) under the Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, a dedicated Garda Cyber Crime Bureau has recently been established, headed by a Detective Superintendent, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity and capabilities to deal with cyber crime and cyber security threats. I am informed that the allocation of additional and support staff for the Bureau is ongoing.

The Bureau will continue to strengthen its links with the National Cyber Security Centre; industry partners; national and international stakeholders; and the UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation in the areas of research, development and training, as well as working closely with law enforcement partners to maintain and develop the capacity of An Garda Síochána to investigate and prevent cyber crime and improve cyber security.

I am also informed that it is intended to establish regional cyber crime units and that pilot regional units have already been established in the Southern and South-Eastern Regions.

In addition, the Garda authorities are continually looking to ensure that the latest information, communications and forensic technologies are sourced and deployed to ensure that An Garda Síochána will be properly resourced to meet the evolving needs of a modern effective police force and to take advantage of proven up to date technological developments in crime detection and prevention as they occur. Further, a module on cyber crime investigation has been included in the training programme for all trainee Gardaí, with all other Garda personnel receiving training in cyber crime awareness and cyber crime investigation through the Garda Continuous Professional Development network.

The establishment of the Bureau is also supported by the significant investment of some €330 million in Garda ICT infrastructure, including €205 million under the Government's Capital Plan, between 2016 and 2021. This investment will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services in response to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity, including cyber crime.

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