Written answers

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

165. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional specialist equipment and personnel she will allocate to the Garda cybercrime unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10360/17]

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

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources within the organisation, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that the allocation of resources is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.

The Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 provided for the review and restructuring of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) to establish a dedicated Garda Cyber Crime Bureau to ensure An Garda Síochána has the capacity and capabilities to deal with cyber crime and cyber security.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda Cyber Crime Bureau, under the direction of Assistant Commissioner Special Crime Operations, is headed by a Detective Superintendent who is supported by a Detective Inspector, a Detective Sergeant, two Sergeants; four Detective Gardaí, eight Gardaí, and three clerical support staff. A competition for appointment of Detective Gardaí and Sergeants to Special Crime Operations has recently been completed and the needs of the specialist Garda Bureaus including the Cyber Crime Bureau will be considered, when successful candidates are being assigned.

I am also advised by Garda management that two pilot regional cyber 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 Cyber Crime 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.

The establishment of the Bureau is also supported by the significant investment of an additional €205 million in Garda ICT 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.