Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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447. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of computer crime investigation units now in place within An Garda Síochána; the location of same; and the number of personnel in each. [34800/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed.

I am informed by the Commissioner that, on foot of a review of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit under the Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, a dedicated Garda Cyber Crime Bureau (GCCB) was established in September 2016 to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity and capabilities to deal with cyber crime and cyber security threats.

The GCCB has responsibility for the forensic examination of all seized computer media, international liaison with regard to cyber matters and the investigation of cyber crime matters. Cases examined by the GCCB include all crime-types, in particular banking and financial crime matters, as well as the examination of equipment and media to assess images in the context of offences relating to child pornography and exploitation.

In conjunction with the Garda College, a module on cyber crime investigation is included in the training programme for all trainee Gardaí, with all other Garda personnel being trained through the Continuous Professional Development network in cyber crime awareness and cyber crime investigation.

In addition, the roll-out continues on a phased basis of regional triage units. The triage model provides a tiered response and capability for computer forensic services on a regional basis, utilising locally-based and trained first-responders and cyber triage specialists. The triage model also reduces demands on the central Bureau, while remaining under the supervision of the Detective Superintendent, Garda Cyber Crime Bureau. To date two regional triage units have been established in the Southern and South-Eastern Regions, at Ballincollig and New Ross Garda Stations. These triage units are the subject of review to inform and establish best practices and processes for the establishment of further such units in other Regions.

Currently the number of staff allocated to the GCCB is 26 including 1 Superintendent, 1 Inspector, 6 Sergeants and 15 Gardaí, with 1 Higher Executive Officer and 2 Executive Officers.