Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which policing strategy, with particular reference to deployment, is likely to be updated, with specific reference to the need to respond with alacrity to telephone queries from the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7992/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed that the Programme aims to give effect to, amongst other things, a wide-ranging ICT programme involving some 23 initiatives to be delivered over a 5 year period.

Among the projects to be developed is a new computer-aided dispatch system to ensure responsive and coordinated deployment of Gardaí in the community.

Examples of other projects under the Programme include:

- enhanced use of mobile technology to give the Gardaí secure mobile access to critical information when and where they need it;

- a new rosters and duty management system to facilitate better management of resources;

- investigations management systems to ensure enhanced management of crime investigations; and

- upgrading the automated number plate recognition system to enhance policing of road safety and compliance.

Government support for these initiatives is underpinned by significant investment, under the Capital Plan, of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT which is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services and respond to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity.